America.gov-World Regions: Europe and Eurasia

Hillary Clinton, Senators Seek U.S.-Russia Effort on Arms Control

Jonathan Schaffer — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:33:46 -0500

If confirmed by the Senate, Secretary of State-designate Hillary Rodham Clinton says she will work with Russia to extend a nuclear arms agreement set to expire later this year. Two key lawmakers urge the secretary of state nominee to re-engage with Russia on arms control and other issues.

Initial Deal Reached for Addressing Ukrainian-Russian Gas Spat

Jonathan Schaffer — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:38:33 -0500

Russia and Ukraine have agreed on a plan that could resume needed flows of natural gas to Ukraine and much of the rest of Europe. In the midst of a deep freeze, many countries in Europe are having to ration fuel pending outcome of the dispute.

U.S., Georgia Sign Blueprint for Military, Economic Cooperation

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:35:58 -0500

The United States and Georgia expand their cooperation in defense, trade, energy security, democratic institutions and cultural exchanges. “Georgia is a very important partner of the United States, a valued partner,” Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says.

United States, Ukraine Sign Security Charter

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:03:10 -0500

The United States and Ukraine have signed a security charter that establishes areas of cooperation and reemphasizes NATO membership for Ukraine.

Agreement Eludes Russia-Georgia Peace Talks

David McKeeby — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:59:13 -0500

Mediators in Geneva made progress, but fell short of an agreement to strengthen security and help refugees return home following the August 2008 conflict over Georgia’s Moscow-backed separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, says Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried.

Russia, U.S. Negotiators Meet on START Treaty, Missile Defense

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:45:28 -0500

While the discussions were useful, Russian and U.S. negotiators did not reach new agreements on either a replacement for the 1991 START I treaty or a proposed European-based U.S. missile defense system, a senior American official says following December 15 talks in Moscow.

Monitoring Mission Can Play Key Role in Georgia Dispute

David McKeeby — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:14:21 -0500

The 56-nation Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has a key role to play in resolving the conflict over Georgia’s Russian-backed breakaway regions, U.S. diplomats say. “This is a moment of truth for the organization and we should act,” says U.S. official Kyle Scott.

Moldovan Human Rights Activist Honored

Meghan Loftus — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:38:06 -0500

Eleonora Cercavschi, a teacher and human rights advocate in the separatist region Transnistria in Moldova, is the 2008 recipient of the Ion Ratiu Democracy Lecture Award. The lecture series, which began in 2005, is designed to recognize those individuals who are working on behalf of democracy.

Russian Journalist, Two Americans Receive Human Rights Awards

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:19:01 -0500

An independent Russian journalist, Yulia Latynina, who exposed corruption and abuses of authority among government officials, is honored by the United States for her investigative reporting and hard-hitting commentary in the effort to advance human rights in Russia.

Habitat for Humanity: U.S. Volunteerism Addressing Global Poverty

Leah Dow — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:59:10 -0500

Many U.S. citizens see volunteerism as an important part of their lives. One way Americans, particular young people, get involved is through Habitat for Humanity International, an organization that provides housing for homeless people worldwide.

United States Backs Gradual Resumption of NATO-Russia Relations

Merle D. Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:42:53 -0500

The United States has no objection to a gradual, phased re-engagement between NATO and Russia, a relationship that had been suspended since the Russian-Georgia crisis in August, says Secretary of State Rice. Rice makes her comments in Brussels, Belgium, where NATO foreign ministers were meeting.

Sweden Honors American Nobel Laureates

Daniel Gorelick — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:01:45 -0500

Three of the 2008 Nobel Prize winners visit Washington to discuss their scientific achievements, international collaboration and the importance of funding research. America.gov reports on the only ocean that can never be overfished, the ocean of knowledge.

Georgia and Ukraine in NATO Is Long-Term Goal, Says State’s Fried

David McKeeby — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:45:48 -0500

Leaders of the 26-nation NATO alliance have already agreed that Georgia and Ukraine will be members, says Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, calling on the trans-Atlantic body to use an upcoming meeting in Brussels, BHelgium, to redouble support for long-term reforms in both emerging democracies.

Europe: Losing Clout in 2025

Jaroslaw Anders — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:45:04 -0500

Europe by 2025 will have made slow progress toward becoming a cohesive, integrated and influential global actor able to employ a full spectrum of tools in support of European and Western interests and universal ideals, according to a recently published U.S. report.

Russia’s Path: Boom or Bust

Jaroslaw Anders — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:53:31 -0500

Russia has the potential to be richer, more powerful, and more self-assured in 2025 if it invests in human capital, expands and diversifies its economy, and integrates with global markets, says a recently published U.S. report. On the other hand, multiple constraints could limit Russia’s ability to achieve its full economic potential.

World’s Best Thinkers Predict Resource Scarcity in 2025

Jacquelyn S. Porth — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:27:34 -0500

In 25 years, the world will likely face greater shortages of water for drinking and farming, insufficient food and competition for energy. The world, as a group of thinkers imagines it, will be multipolar. No nation will dominate with overwhelming power; instead, multiple nations will wield great power.

U.S. Envoys Report Progress in Russia-Georgia Peace Talks

David McKeeby — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:55:50 -0500

Mediators in Geneva have restarted Russia-Georgia peace talks, says Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, who urges sending more international monitors to the region to strengthen security and help refugees return following the August 2008 conflict over the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Year in U.S. Encourages Russian Students to Pursue Their Dreams

Paul Levitan — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:19:43 -0500

Future Leaders Exchange, more commonly known as FLEX, is a program that brings students from the former Soviet Union to live and study in the United States for one school year. The FLEX program continues to promote greater understanding between Russians and Americans.

Three Young Women Win Top Awards at International Science Fair

Jeffrey Thomas — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:33:21 -0500

Three 17-year-old girls win top awards at the 2008 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. More than 1,500 students from 51 countries competed for more than $4 million in awards and scholarships, making this fair the world’s largest. Some entrants have applied to patent their work, or intend to.