VERSAILLES, France: French lawmakers voted Monday in favor of a sweeping revision of France's constitution -- but by a one-vote margin that highlights the controversy behind the vote. The changes give parliament greater power but also add privilege to the presidency. The reform was a political hot potato for President Nicolas Sarkozy, but the thin win -- 539 votes for and 357 against -- saved him from humiliation. That is one vote more than the 538 needed to pass the changes. The vote by both houses of parliament was held in a special session at the Chateau of Versailles. Sarkozy's conservative party pressed for the reform right up until the vote.
VERSAILLES, France: French lawmakers voted Monday in favor of a sweeping revision of France's constitution -- but by a one-vote margin that highlights the controversy behind the vote.
The changes give parliament greater power but also add privilege to the presidency.
The reform was a political hot potato for President Nicolas Sarkozy, but the thin win -- 539 votes for and 357 against -- saved him from humiliation. That is one vote more than the 538 needed to pass the changes.
The vote by both houses of parliament was held in a special session at the Chateau of Versailles.
Sarkozy's conservative party pressed for the reform right up until the vote.
Parliamentarians in France have backed plans by President Nicolas Sarkozy to rewrite the country's constitution - by the slimmest of margins. The reform bill was backed by 539 votes to 357 - exactly the 60% majority of the combined Assembly and Senate required to pass the reforms. Mr Sarkozy says the reforms will strengthen France's parliament, which is often seen as weak. But Mr Sarkozy's critics say they will turn the country into a "monocracy".
Parliamentarians in France have backed plans by President Nicolas Sarkozy to rewrite the country's constitution - by the slimmest of margins.
The reform bill was backed by 539 votes to 357 - exactly the 60% majority of the combined Assembly and Senate required to pass the reforms.
Mr Sarkozy says the reforms will strengthen France's parliament, which is often seen as weak.
But Mr Sarkozy's critics say they will turn the country into a "monocracy".
Sarkozy victory as reforms are approved France's parliament on Monday approved by the narrowest possible margin one of the most significant packages of institutional reforms since the Fifth Republic was founded by General Charles de Gaulle in 1958. In a knife-edge vote in an extraordinary parliamentary session at Versailles, the necessary 60 per cent of France's senators and parliamentary deputies backed the controversial reforms intended to rebalance the executive and legislative branches of power. The vote is an important victory for President Nicolas Sarkozy, who had promised during last year's election campaign to update the country's constitution. The opposition Socialist party, as well as some members of Mr Sarkozy's own centre-right UMP party, had fiercely resisted the bill, arguing it did not go far enough. Mr Sarkozy, who had reportedly lobbied wavering parliamentarians by phone while on holiday, hailed the result as a triumph for the forces of movement over those of stagnation.
France's parliament on Monday approved by the narrowest possible margin one of the most significant packages of institutional reforms since the Fifth Republic was founded by General Charles de Gaulle in 1958.
In a knife-edge vote in an extraordinary parliamentary session at Versailles, the necessary 60 per cent of France's senators and parliamentary deputies backed the controversial reforms intended to rebalance the executive and legislative branches of power.
The vote is an important victory for President Nicolas Sarkozy, who had promised during last year's election campaign to update the country's constitution. The opposition Socialist party, as well as some members of Mr Sarkozy's own centre-right UMP party, had fiercely resisted the bill, arguing it did not go far enough.
Mr Sarkozy, who had reportedly lobbied wavering parliamentarians by phone while on holiday, hailed the result as a triumph for the forces of movement over those of stagnation.
And the narrative is thus fed. In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
The reform gives parliament greater power but also adds a new privileges to France's already strong presidency, notably allowing the chief of state to address together the two houses of congress
Is that what has got them all bothered about this reform? That the president will be able to address both houses? That seems more symbolic than anything.
On the other hand, from this article, the reform does seem to constrain the president in some substantial ways:
However, it limits the president to two five-year terms. Parliament is now able to veto major presidential appointments and can reduce the government's ability to push through legislation without a vote. The presidency will also be required to inform parliament of any troop deployment overseas, and must win parliamentary authorization for any such deployment lasting more than four months.
Parliament is now able to veto major presidential appointments and can reduce the government's ability to push through legislation without a vote.
The presidency will also be required to inform parliament of any troop deployment overseas, and must win parliamentary authorization for any such deployment lasting more than four months.
What the "monocracy" are they talking about? ... all progress depends on the unreasonable mensch.(apologies to G.B. Shaw)
The bill sets a two-term limit for presidents, gives parliament a veto over some presidential appointments, ends government control over parliament's committee system, allows parliament to set its own agenda, and ends the president's right of collective pardon.
But wasn't it better that some of these "sweeping" reforms -- many of which the left has been advocating for a long time, according to this Liberation article -- were passed rather than none at all? ... all progress depends on the unreasonable mensch.(apologies to G.B. Shaw)
Lang should be ashamed of himself. "The womb that spawned that thing is fertile yet"
So it increases power for the president's henchmen, not realyl to an independent institution. In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
The cost of fuelling Britain's Armed Forces is due to rise by more than £500 million next year as a result of soaring oil prices, forcing military chiefs to consider broad cuts to air force and combat training. Ministry of Defence calculations of projected fuel bills, seen byThe Times, show a dramatic increase in operating costs, with fuel for aircraft, naval and ground vehicles up by more than 20 per cent on last year. With the Armed Forces' budget set to rise by just 3 per cent - and the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, warning government departments last week of no additional increases - defence and industry analysts said that major cuts to training programmes such as fighter plane exercises would be inevitable. The Times understands that Air Chief Marshal Sir Glen Torpy, Chief of the Air Staff, told senior members of the defence industry last week that RAF pilots would do more training in simulators this year because of the budget squeeze.
The cost of fuelling Britain's Armed Forces is due to rise by more than £500 million next year as a result of soaring oil prices, forcing military chiefs to consider broad cuts to air force and combat training.
Ministry of Defence calculations of projected fuel bills, seen byThe Times, show a dramatic increase in operating costs, with fuel for aircraft, naval and ground vehicles up by more than 20 per cent on last year.
With the Armed Forces' budget set to rise by just 3 per cent - and the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, warning government departments last week of no additional increases - defence and industry analysts said that major cuts to training programmes such as fighter plane exercises would be inevitable.
The Times understands that Air Chief Marshal Sir Glen Torpy, Chief of the Air Staff, told senior members of the defence industry last week that RAF pilots would do more training in simulators this year because of the budget squeeze.
In Ukraine for the first time on Monday, July 21, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is to meet with the former Soviet republic's leaders to discuss energy supply, NATO, and Ukraine's future with the European Union. Merkel is meeting with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko during a day of talks. According to German and Ukrainian diplomats, Merkel intends to discuss her view of Ukraine's future with NATO and the European Union, and to argue that Berlin's "go-slow" policy towards Kiev was not hostile. The German leader was likely to pitch to Yushchenko and Tymoshenko a plan to give Ukraine associate status with the European Union, while leaving NATO on the back burner, the Sehodnia newspaper reported.
Merkel is meeting with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko during a day of talks.
According to German and Ukrainian diplomats, Merkel intends to discuss her view of Ukraine's future with NATO and the European Union, and to argue that Berlin's "go-slow" policy towards Kiev was not hostile.
The German leader was likely to pitch to Yushchenko and Tymoshenko a plan to give Ukraine associate status with the European Union, while leaving NATO on the back burner, the Sehodnia newspaper reported.
In Ukraine for the first time on Monday, July 21, German Chancellor Angela Merkel dampened the country's hopes for a quick path to EU membership. She did express support for an association agreement, however. During her short stay in Kyiv, the German chancellor said that Ukraine would likely sign a so-called Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) before the French EU presidency expires at the end of this year. The deal is expected to top the agenda of an EU-Ukraine summit taking place in September. While an SAA is an important step toward membership in the 27-member European Union, Merkel urged Ukrainians "not to confuse this with conditions for joining the EU," pointing out that the bloc's capacity for expansion was limited.
During her short stay in Kyiv, the German chancellor said that Ukraine would likely sign a so-called Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) before the French EU presidency expires at the end of this year.
The deal is expected to top the agenda of an EU-Ukraine summit taking place in September.
While an SAA is an important step toward membership in the 27-member European Union, Merkel urged Ukrainians "not to confuse this with conditions for joining the EU," pointing out that the bloc's capacity for expansion was limited.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, a long-time critic of the European Central Bank's monetary policy, is set to push for a change in the way the Frankfurt-based body is run. According to the Financial Times, France is working on a three point plan, which should encourage EU states to express their views on the ECB's monetary policy - something that Paris considers "legitimate". The French president wants greater co-ordination between the ECB and the eurogroup Mr Sarkozy wants the ECB to publish regular minutes of its governing council meetings where interest rates are set. Currently, this is done behind closed doors. He would also like to see the development of a permanent secretariat for the eurogroup - representing finance ministers from countries using the euro currency - in order to boost its policy co-ordination with the ECB. In addition, French leader wants to establish an "economic government" for the eurozone.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, a long-time critic of the European Central Bank's monetary policy, is set to push for a change in the way the Frankfurt-based body is run.
According to the Financial Times, France is working on a three point plan, which should encourage EU states to express their views on the ECB's monetary policy - something that Paris considers "legitimate".
The French president wants greater co-ordination between the ECB and the eurogroup
Mr Sarkozy wants the ECB to publish regular minutes of its governing council meetings where interest rates are set. Currently, this is done behind closed doors.
He would also like to see the development of a permanent secretariat for the eurogroup - representing finance ministers from countries using the euro currency - in order to boost its policy co-ordination with the ECB.
In addition, French leader wants to establish an "economic government" for the eurozone.
And I want the Council to publish minutes of all its meetings, too. A vivid image of what should exist acts as a surrogate for reality. Pursuit of the image then prevents pursuit of the reality -- John K. Galbraith
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The European Commission is on Wednesday (23 July) set to strongly criticise Bulgaria and Romania for their failure to take effective action against corruption. The language will be particularly harsh towards Bulgaria - but neither of the countries will face concrete sanctions at this stage, according to the reports on the justice and home affairs situation in the EU newest member states seen by EUobserver. Plovdiv - Bulgaria's second biggest city The Bulgaria report welcomes efforts made by the country in the area, but says they are insufficient as initiatives are rarely followed by concrete results. Addressing the issue of persistent corruption problems, it also notes that only few cases have actually been effectively dealt with.
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The European Commission is on Wednesday (23 July) set to strongly criticise Bulgaria and Romania for their failure to take effective action against corruption.
The language will be particularly harsh towards Bulgaria - but neither of the countries will face concrete sanctions at this stage, according to the reports on the justice and home affairs situation in the EU newest member states seen by EUobserver.
Plovdiv - Bulgaria's second biggest city
The Bulgaria report welcomes efforts made by the country in the area, but says they are insufficient as initiatives are rarely followed by concrete results.
Addressing the issue of persistent corruption problems, it also notes that only few cases have actually been effectively dealt with.
Barack Obama's visit to Berlin has upset officials in other European capitals who feel the presumptive Democratic Party presidential candidate is slighting their countries. Germany is not only to be the site of a major trans-Atlantic address, but also the place where he plans to meet the most politicians. The French and British are feeling neglected. Barack Obama is making Germany the major focus of his trip to Europe this week, a choice that is being viewed with some displeasure in Paris and London. One day after the Democratic Party's presumptive presidential nominee officially announced his plan to hold a speech at the Siegesäule, or "Victory Column," (more...) in Berlin, SPIEGEL ONLINE also obtained information about his preliminary European agenda. Candidate Obama: His team views German Chancellor Angela Merkel as Europe's strongest leaders at the moment. One-on-one meetings for Obama have now been confirmed with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. But so far he is only including time in his stops in Paris and London for French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. A decision still hasn't been made on whether the Democratic candidate will meet with the foreign ministers of those countries. The source said this had caused additional irritation in government circles in Paris and London. High-ranking politicians there are already annoyed that the controversy about Obama's desire to hold his speech at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate had distracted attention from the purpose of his European visit -- to outline his vision for trans-Atlantic relations.
Barack Obama's visit to Berlin has upset officials in other European capitals who feel the presumptive Democratic Party presidential candidate is slighting their countries. Germany is not only to be the site of a major trans-Atlantic address, but also the place where he plans to meet the most politicians. The French and British are feeling neglected.
Barack Obama is making Germany the major focus of his trip to Europe this week, a choice that is being viewed with some displeasure in Paris and London. One day after the Democratic Party's presumptive presidential nominee officially announced his plan to hold a speech at the Siegesäule, or "Victory Column," (more...) in Berlin, SPIEGEL ONLINE also obtained information about his preliminary European agenda.
Candidate Obama: His team views German Chancellor Angela Merkel as Europe's strongest leaders at the moment.
One-on-one meetings for Obama have now been confirmed with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. But so far he is only including time in his stops in Paris and London for French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. A decision still hasn't been made on whether the Democratic candidate will meet with the foreign ministers of those countries.
The source said this had caused additional irritation in government circles in Paris and London. High-ranking politicians there are already annoyed that the controversy about Obama's desire to hold his speech at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate had distracted attention from the purpose of his European visit -- to outline his vision for trans-Atlantic relations.
US presidential candidate Barack Obama will land in Berlin on Thursday. Europeans have fallen in love with the Democrat, mostly because he's not Bush. But they may not like what they hear this week. He has already found his spot at the Brandenburg Gate. Indeed, it's where he speaks every day between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. -- his voice, met with wild cheers from his audience, is enough to send shivers down one's spine even today. After giving his speech, he is driven in an open limousine through Berlin, where hundreds of thousands line the streets, chanting: "Kennedy, Kennedy." His eternal spot in Berlin is in a museum on Pariser Platz, directly across the square from the Brandenburg Gate. The museum, called "The Kennedys," represents the ultimate in a politician's achievements -- complete and utter hero worship. It is filled with attractive photographs, inspiring quotes and magnificence. The film constantly on screen there depicts former US President John F. Kennedy's appearance in Berlin in June, 1963, including the parade given in his honor and his speech in front of the Schöneberg Town Hall, where he famously said: "Ich bin ein Berliner" ("I am a Berliner"). Barack Obama's voice, by contrast, will not be heard at the Brandenburg Gate and he will not be gazing at the "The Kennedys" museum when he speaks in Berlin. Though he is often compared with Kennedy and sparks similar hopes, Obama hasn't come that far yet. He still lacks the kind of stature that would spare him from being ground through the mill of German politics. German Chancellor Angela Merkel turned down his request to speak at the Brandenburg Gate.
US presidential candidate Barack Obama will land in Berlin on Thursday. Europeans have fallen in love with the Democrat, mostly because he's not Bush. But they may not like what they hear this week.
He has already found his spot at the Brandenburg Gate. Indeed, it's where he speaks every day between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. -- his voice, met with wild cheers from his audience, is enough to send shivers down one's spine even today. After giving his speech, he is driven in an open limousine through Berlin, where hundreds of thousands line the streets, chanting: "Kennedy, Kennedy."
His eternal spot in Berlin is in a museum on Pariser Platz, directly across the square from the Brandenburg Gate. The museum, called "The Kennedys," represents the ultimate in a politician's achievements -- complete and utter hero worship. It is filled with attractive photographs, inspiring quotes and magnificence. The film constantly on screen there depicts former US President John F. Kennedy's appearance in Berlin in June, 1963, including the parade given in his honor and his speech in front of the Schöneberg Town Hall, where he famously said: "Ich bin ein Berliner" ("I am a Berliner").
Barack Obama's voice, by contrast, will not be heard at the Brandenburg Gate and he will not be gazing at the "The Kennedys" museum when he speaks in Berlin. Though he is often compared with Kennedy and sparks similar hopes, Obama hasn't come that far yet. He still lacks the kind of stature that would spare him from being ground through the mill of German politics. German Chancellor Angela Merkel turned down his request to speak at the Brandenburg Gate.
Germany's Social Democrats are feting Barack Obama's visit to Berlin this week, but behind the scenes they are distancing themselves from the Democratic Party's candidate. Leading SPD members are warning Obama against demanding more German troops for Afghanistan. Barack Obama (right) meets with Afghan President Hamid Karzai: Will the Democratic presidential candidate ask Germany to send more troops to Afghanistan this week? In the run-up to Barack Obama's visit to Berlin, leading foreign and security policy experts for Germany's center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) are warning the United States presidential candidate against making any far-reaching demands on the Germans. "Obama should only ask of us what we are able to deliver," Niels Annen -- a member of Germany's federal parliament, with the left wing of the SPD -- told SPIEGEL ONLINE Monday. "We won't increase our number of troops." Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet, however, has approved a plan to increase the number of troops from Germany's armed forces in Afghanistan by 1,000 to 4,500 soldiers. All troop deployments of the Bundeswehr require a mandate from the German parliament, which is expected to consider the issue in the autumn. And SPD party chief Kurt Beck made clear over the weekend that 4,500 was the ceiling of what could be expected from Germany. The Social Democrats -- who are the junior partner in the grand coalition government with Merkel and her conservative Christian Democrats -- are hoping Obama will take heed of German sensitivities when he visits Thursday.
Germany's Social Democrats are feting Barack Obama's visit to Berlin this week, but behind the scenes they are distancing themselves from the Democratic Party's candidate. Leading SPD members are warning Obama against demanding more German troops for Afghanistan.
Barack Obama (right) meets with Afghan President Hamid Karzai: Will the Democratic presidential candidate ask Germany to send more troops to Afghanistan this week? In the run-up to Barack Obama's visit to Berlin, leading foreign and security policy experts for Germany's center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) are warning the United States presidential candidate against making any far-reaching demands on the Germans.
"Obama should only ask of us what we are able to deliver," Niels Annen -- a member of Germany's federal parliament, with the left wing of the SPD -- told SPIEGEL ONLINE Monday. "We won't increase our number of troops."
Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet, however, has approved a plan to increase the number of troops from Germany's armed forces in Afghanistan by 1,000 to 4,500 soldiers. All troop deployments of the Bundeswehr require a mandate from the German parliament, which is expected to consider the issue in the autumn. And SPD party chief Kurt Beck made clear over the weekend that 4,500 was the ceiling of what could be expected from Germany. The Social Democrats -- who are the junior partner in the grand coalition government with Merkel and her conservative Christian Democrats -- are hoping Obama will take heed of German sensitivities when he visits Thursday.
</snark> Come, my friends, 'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
Also, the American public is no longer looking for a scapegoat in Europe. We know we've completely botched our foreign policy and we're probably going to have to do some serious fence mending in your part of the world. While you might perceive some Europe-bashing from Obama, I think you'll also perceive some flattery as well. Come, my friends, 'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
That's not bashing to you and me, but "bashing" is a moronic and subjective term (that is, like "propaganda," it's only "bashing" when those who oppose you do it...) and a lot of Americans would consider it to be so.
But, yeah, this is presented as "america-bashing" in the US press because no reasonable person could possibly oppose US policy.
It's the nature of national identity to define yourself against another - and even Europeans do it.
However, Spain managed to win the Euro2008 without being able to agree to a lyrics for its anthem. Now that's a feat of 'soft' national identity.
While you might perceive some Europe-bashing from Obama, I think you'll also perceive some flattery as well.
I don't even think he knows the answer to that... Come, my friends, 'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
The European Commission intends to respond to the international financial crisis by imposing tougher rules on banks' operations. The financial sector is worried that the plans will restrict lending and make credit more expensive. Germany's financial capital Frankfurt. The banks are worried about new EU plans to tighten controls of them. The European Union is ramping up the pressure on the financial sector with plans to tighten regulations under which European banks can invest in global credit markets, the Financial Times Deutschland reported on Monday. The EU wants to only allow banks to buy so-called securitized loans -- loans repackaged as securities -- if the seller continues to hold 10 percent in his books, the newspaper reported, citing an internal European Commission draft for new bank equity capital rules. EU Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy wants to implement the rules in the autumn, the report said. EU governments and the European Parliament have yet to approve the plan.
The European Commission intends to respond to the international financial crisis by imposing tougher rules on banks' operations. The financial sector is worried that the plans will restrict lending and make credit more expensive.
Germany's financial capital Frankfurt. The banks are worried about new EU plans to tighten controls of them. The European Union is ramping up the pressure on the financial sector with plans to tighten regulations under which European banks can invest in global credit markets, the Financial Times Deutschland reported on Monday.
The EU wants to only allow banks to buy so-called securitized loans -- loans repackaged as securities -- if the seller continues to hold 10 percent in his books, the newspaper reported, citing an internal European Commission draft for new bank equity capital rules.
EU Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy wants to implement the rules in the autumn, the report said. EU governments and the European Parliament have yet to approve the plan.
The financial sector is worried that the plans will restrict lending and make credit more expensive.
And this is bad how, exactly? The financial sector is collapsing because of cheap credit. You'd think that given their inability to restrain themselves they'd be at least happy to have uniform rules applying to them... but no. Greed is overwhelming. In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
You'd think that given their inability to restrain themselves they'd be at least happy to have uniform rules applying to them
You'll still have business in a recession, but they live for the 'growth phase' of the wholly speculative 'business cycle'. A vivid image of what should exist acts as a surrogate for reality. Pursuit of the image then prevents pursuit of the reality -- John K. Galbraith
After meeting with the Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said there was "no miracle solution" to the impasse caused by the Irish rejection of the European Union's Lisbon treaty in June. Sarkozy, speaking at a joint press conference with Cowen, said he respected the vote of the Irish people and denied meddling in Irish affairs. The French president remained "convinced that with time the European Union would find a way forward." Cowen said that Ireland was at the start of a process of analysis and consultation and that a way would be found to "resolve the current difficulties" in a manner satisfactory to all 27 member states.
Sarkozy, speaking at a joint press conference with Cowen, said he respected the vote of the Irish people and denied meddling in Irish affairs.
The French president remained "convinced that with time the European Union would find a way forward."
Cowen said that Ireland was at the start of a process of analysis and consultation and that a way would be found to "resolve the current difficulties" in a manner satisfactory to all 27 member states.
As a message from the "plain people of Ireland" to President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, it could not have been clearer. But "Kermit", the man in the neon green frog suit, the farmers, hardline Irish republicans, anti-motorway campaigners, fishermen, the Catholic Right and even `Victims of Irish Solicitors', were kept well away from the French presidential cavalcade as it rolled to Government Buildings for a `clear the air' meeting with the Taoiseach Brian Cowen. "Hop it Sarko! Le peuple a dit non!" was the frogman's message, accompanied with a a photograph of France's First Lady in a bikini with the question "Ou est Carla?" "It's just a bit of fun, to make the point to Sarkozy that he can't tell the Irish people what to do," said the man inside the frog suit - who identified himself only as Kermit.
As a message from the "plain people of Ireland" to President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, it could not have been clearer.
But "Kermit", the man in the neon green frog suit, the farmers, hardline Irish republicans, anti-motorway campaigners, fishermen, the Catholic Right and even `Victims of Irish Solicitors', were kept well away from the French presidential cavalcade as it rolled to Government Buildings for a `clear the air' meeting with the Taoiseach Brian Cowen.
"Hop it Sarko! Le peuple a dit non!" was the frogman's message, accompanied with a a photograph of France's First Lady in a bikini with the question "Ou est Carla?"
"It's just a bit of fun, to make the point to Sarkozy that he can't tell the Irish people what to do," said the man inside the frog suit - who identified himself only as Kermit.
This is beginning to look like 'anybody but Bush'. A vivid image of what should exist acts as a surrogate for reality. Pursuit of the image then prevents pursuit of the reality -- John K. Galbraith
MOSCOW, July 21 (Reuters) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the guarantee of full oil supplies to the Czech Republic, and sought to deny that disruptions in July were linked to Prague's role in a U.S. missile defence shield. "I'm calling on you to treat this matter carefully and work out (the measures) with all the partners so that there are no interruptions," Interfax new agency quoted Putin as telling government officials. "(Disruptions) are not directly linked to Russian oil suppliers," Putin added after being briefed by Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, who blamed trading intermediaries for lower supplies. Russian state officials have said the cuts in flows to the Czech Republic via the Druzhba pipeline were of a technical nature after analysts said they suspected it could have been a retaliation by Moscow to Prague's decision to host a radar station as part of a U.S. missile shield. Moscow fiercely opposes the radar move.
"I'm calling on you to treat this matter carefully and work out (the measures) with all the partners so that there are no interruptions," Interfax new agency quoted Putin as telling government officials. "(Disruptions) are not directly linked to Russian oil suppliers," Putin added after being briefed by Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, who blamed trading intermediaries for lower supplies.
Russian state officials have said the cuts in flows to the Czech Republic via the Druzhba pipeline were of a technical nature after analysts said they suspected it could have been a retaliation by Moscow to Prague's decision to host a radar station as part of a U.S. missile shield. Moscow fiercely opposes the radar move.
Bosnian Serb war crimes suspect Radovan Karadzic, one of the world's most wanted men, has been arrested in Serbia after more than a decade. He has been brought before Belgrade's war crimes court, in accordance with a law on cooperation the Hague Tribunal, the Serbian presidency said. The Bosnian Serb wartime political leader disappeared in 1996. He was subsequently indicted by the UN tribunal for war crimes and genocide over the 1995 massacre at Srebrenica. His wartime military leader, Ratko Mladic, remains at large. "Radovan Karadzic was located and arrested tonight" by Serbian security officers, a statement by the office of President Boris Tadic said, without giving details.
Bosnian Serb war crimes suspect Radovan Karadzic, one of the world's most wanted men, has been arrested in Serbia after more than a decade.
He has been brought before Belgrade's war crimes court, in accordance with a law on cooperation the Hague Tribunal, the Serbian presidency said.
The Bosnian Serb wartime political leader disappeared in 1996.
He was subsequently indicted by the UN tribunal for war crimes and genocide over the 1995 massacre at Srebrenica.
His wartime military leader, Ratko Mladic, remains at large.
"Radovan Karadzic was located and arrested tonight" by Serbian security officers, a statement by the office of President Boris Tadic said, without giving details.
Karadzic Arrest: Celebrations in Sarajevo:
21 July 2008 Sarajevo _ Crowds of people waving Bosnian flags and hundreds of cars honking at their horns poured onto the streets of Sarajevo as news emerged that Radovan Karadzic has been arrested in Serbia. There is a high police presence on the main streets. "We have a strong police presence on the streets of Sarajevo. We have not even had one intervention, but we are ready to react if it is needed," the city police told Balkan Insight. Balkan Insight contacted one of the victims from the 1992-1995 war, Bakira Hasecic from Visegrad, who said she can not believe the news. "If somebody asked me, I would say it will never happen, especially not in Serbia. I was sure that the next thing I will hear about him is that he is dead," Hasecic told Baklan Insight.
There is a high police presence on the main streets. "We have a strong police presence on the streets of Sarajevo. We have not even had one intervention, but we are ready to react if it is needed," the city police told Balkan Insight.
Balkan Insight contacted one of the victims from the 1992-1995 war, Bakira Hasecic from Visegrad, who said she can not believe the news.
"If somebody asked me, I would say it will never happen, especially not in Serbia. I was sure that the next thing I will hear about him is that he is dead," Hasecic told Baklan Insight.
Bosnian Serb wartime president Radovan Karadzic, one of the world's most wanted men for his part in civilian massacres, was arrested on Monday, Serbian President Boris Tadic's office said on Monday. Government sources said he had been under surveillance for several weeks, following a tip-off from a foreign intelligence service. The arrest of Karadzic and other indicted war criminals, is one of the main conditions of Serbian progress towards European Union (EU) membership.
