Abroad – Page 4 – Hit.Media. Space young journalism

Rescue of a rare giraffe species in Africa
Eight West African giraffes have been transferred to the Gadabedja protected area in Niger

Reading time 4 minutes

Until now, there were no giraffes from West Africa in the Gadabedji biosphere reserve in Niger. These animals still need protection. Illegal hunting, climate change and habitat loss all contributed to the decline in population size. According to the Nigerian publication, eight giraffes were moved to the reserve, this is the first such case for the West African subspecies.

In accordance with the initiative of the Nigerian authorities, eight giraffes were caught approximately 60 km south-east of the city of Niamey. There, these animals share their habitat with local communities and compete with humans for natural resources. Often, giraffes come into conflict with people who manage their pastures. Because of this, some individuals go to restless areas on the border with Mali.

Жирафов перевозили в специальных контейнерах

The animals were placed in enclosures for three weeks to prepare for the upcoming journey in special trailers. Then they were transported to a new place of residence in the central part of Niger.

According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), over the past 30 years, the number of giraffes has declined throughout the African continent. The West African giraffe subspecies was once common in many countries, including Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania and Senegal, but is now only preserved in Niger. In the nineties of the twentieth century, only 49 individuals remained in the wild, and in 2008 the subspecies was listed in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) as endangered.

Западноафриканские жирафы - самый малочисленный подвид — Западноафриканские жирафы – самый малочисленный подвид

The efforts of the Niger Government in collaboration with local and international partners have led to the revival of the West African giraffe. Since 2005, conservation efforts in Niger have also intensified thanks to the Giraffe Conservation Fund (GCF) and the Sahara Foundation for Nature Conservation.

Currently, the population size has increased to 600 individuals, and last month this subspecies was reduced by the IUCN to the category of “vulnerable”. Environmentalists believe that the relocation of eight giraffes is a key step in the development of Gadabedzhi as the leading reserve in Niger. They hope that this will help revive the population of the West African giraffe.

China continues to support coal projects
The risk of environmental consequences does not stop investors from the Middle Kingdom

Reading time 4 minutes

Environmentalists are sounding the alarm: China is funding dozens of coal projects far beyond its borders. Coal is considered the most environmentally hazardous of fossil fuels, including because of the amount of carbon dioxide that it emits during combustion (about one and a half times more than natural gas). According to the latest research of the World Meteorological Organization in 2017, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reached its highest level in the last 5 million years. Last month, the UN climate expert group said that the use of coal in production should be stopped by 2050. This solution should bound the global temperature rise to a limit of 1.5 degrees.

Угольная электростанция в Китае — Coal power station in China

China-supported coal projects are being implemented in South America, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Balkans. The contracts concluded between the participants of such projects are often not completely transparent, but groups of environmental companies, including the non-governmental organization Bankwatch, try to monitor the situation. Energy Group Coordinator Ioana Chiuta says that efforts to combat the dirty air of Chinese cities have led many energy companies to limit their investments in coal-fired power plants in China and instead have targeted their technology and capital to foreign markets.

Coal smoke must be cleaned, but this is not always done

Тепловая электростанция Kostolac — Thermal power station Kostolac

In Serbia, one of the country’s main coal-fired power stations is being expanded with a loan from a Chinese bank. Works have been carried out since 2017 under the leadership of a large construction company in China. An hour east of the capital city of Belgrade, in the coal-rich valley of the Danube, construction takes place on a site known as Kostolac B3. The power plant is managed by the national Serbian electric power company EPS, which provides about 70% of the country’s electricity by burning coal, while the rest is electricity produced by hydroelectric power stations. It is expected that Chinese investment in the project will amount to 613 million US dollars. The installation of the new power unit will bring Serbia 350 MW of additional capacity. The project must be implemented in accordance with environmental standards.

However, the Serbian Center for Environment and Sustainable Development (Cekor) questions the project’s compliance with all environmental standards. After a series of relevant inspections of the project, Cekor found it impossible to ensure that EU standards for environmental pollution are in force.

Ilon Musk launches Hyperloop’s first capsule
The super-speed system on magnetic rails starts in Los Angeles on December 10

Reading time 2 minutes

The Boring Company successfully mastered the laying of the first vacuum tunnel for high-speed movement. The founder of the company, Ilon Mask, announced this in his Twitter account. The company has drilled 3.2 km under Los Angeles, the entrepreneur said that the opening of the tunnel will take place on December 10. On the launch day, no one will have to pay the fare, and in the following days the trip will cost $1.

Hyperloop is an ultrafast underground transport system based on pipes and magnetic rails. Autonomous cars with a capacity of 8–16 passengers rush inside the pipe at a speed of about 200 km/h. Initially, the tunnel was conceived solely for the carriage of cars, but now the main goal of the project is to create transport for passengers and cyclists.

Художественное изображение автономного вагона Loop — Один из эскизных проектов автономного вагона Loop

The tunnel will function like an expressway. Equipped platform will launch vehicles under the ground and deliver to the destination.

The 16.5 km long vacuum transport system was approved by the authorities of Washington and Baltimore. Boring is also planning to launch a tunnel in Chicago, which will connect the city centre with the airport. At the initial stage, the inventor in his characteristic style admitted that “he has no idea what he is doing.” However, the first project is already at the ready stage. The construction of the Los Angeles-Hawthorne Tunnel, begun in January 2017, has been completed.

Holidays in Europe!
Czech Republic, Hungary or Finland - what is better?

Reading time 5 minutes

Winter holidays is the best time for travelling around Europe. It is better to order a tour in October or November. Just at this time travel agencies give their clients suggestions on January, yet lessors haven’t increased Christmas prices on apartments in Airbnb service.

In order to travel on one’s own It is necessary to find the company, choose the direction, buy tickets, engage the place for living and apply for a visa. Online services is a comfortable way to organize travelling (Aviasales, OneTwoTrip, etc). They will find you the most optimal flight in terms of time and prices. Be careful with buying the cheapest vouchers – avia companies frequently impose restrictions on baggage allowance. In order to avoid troubles with the ticket seeking and processing you can appeal to travel agencies where you will be selected the country, hotel, plane. However, that would have great costs. For the decisive and economic travellers we collected three inexpensive and atmospheric European countries.

Czech Republic

Czech Republic is included in top 10 the cheapest countries of the European union. On Christmas Prague opens numerous fairs with hand-crafted products, unique souvenirs and all possible treats. This place is a paradise for lovers to eat budgetly and yummy. In January, besides traditional knuckle of pork and goulash, trdelnics are being sold on every street corner. This is a pastry in the form of roll with sugar and different toppings, the sweet smell of which is spread over the whole historic center.

If you choose cozy and gotic Czech Republic, the flight will be approximately 10000-15000 rubles. The price for living will directly depend on your demands to comfort – every person decides whether to live in hostel or separated apartment. On average, 25000 rubles will be enough for the flight, hotel and visa fee.

Historical Prague center on New Year’s Eve

Hungary

In Budapest Christmas decorations are taken off in early January, that’s why you hardly will be able to feel the holiday atmosphere deeply. However, you will be able to research both sides of the capital – Budu and Pest, warm up in the legendary bathing areas and look at all sightseeings from the hilltop where the statue «Motherland» is situated. Free excursions on English called «Free Walking Tours» are widely spread in Budapest – if you know a little bit more than «London is the capital of Great Britain» you will be able to both attend city tour and learn street-art hidden in the narrow city’s alleyways.

The travelling price to Hungary will be approximately the same as to Czech Republic, yet you will have a possibility to gorge in Hungarian restaurants wasting little money.

Finland

The third direction is not so budget as previous ones, but it is, probably, the most atmospheric. If you want to attend Scandinavia, but you have a little money, you can plan a moderate trip to Helsinki.

Hardly anyone believes in stories about Santa Claus living in Lapland. However, it is worth to visit this place in winter at least once in life. Astonishing north sceneries with the aurora borealis, wild deers running along the roads, forests blanketed with snow, and the yummiest fish are anticipating tourists in Finland. You can reach this country not only by plane but also by ground transportation. As an option you can go to Saint-Petersburg by train, and to catch the bus there to Helsinki.

North affluent countries pamper travellers with convenient renovated hostels which give you an excellent possibility to economize on accomodation fee. If you crave to be found yourself in the winter fairytale and ready to accept several inconveniences, definitely visit this European Father Christmas and be ready to spend 30000-35000 rubles on your dream.

The greenest browser
By sending a request through the Ecosia service, you restore forests in Africa

Reading time 3 minutes

Ecosia is a search engine that directs 80% of its income to finance reforestation programs. To participate in the landscaping of the planet, you need to spend 1.1 seconds on a search query.

The company spends about 28 cents on planting a single tree. Each search query in Ecosia brings in about 0.5 cents. The service is an alternative to charitable foundations, allowing users to do good without spending their own money.

The company was established in 2009. The founder and leader of Ecosia is Christian Kroll. Initially, the creators of the service planned to plant 1 billion trees by 2015. However, the program was not implemented, and Ecosia noted only the second million trees in 2015. The creators deferred the goal – now they plan to plant a billion trees by 2020. The company currently carries out more than 15 million searches per month.

Ecosia provides fast operation, privacy and security. Personal data and requests are not transferred to third parties. The service allows you to hide your search history, be in private mode and block ads. Also, Ecosia does not track visited websites and encrypts data. The system is constantly improving: now the search query is performed by 34 percent faster than last year.

Ecosia landscapes South America and Africa

The tree planting campaign takes place in areas of South America and Africa. Half a century of drought has devastated these regions, and now they need to be restored. More than 25 percent of the world’s population depends on forest resources, it is the foundation of a stable existence. Planting trees prevents climate change, reduces the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

The creators of Ecosia regularly publish financial reports, demonstrating the transparency of their accounting.

To use the service and help plantation of the planet, just go to the site and install the extension in the browser.

Putin in Trump’s hotel – a fake or provocation?
A portrait of Vladimir Putin had been hanging in Trump’s suite for a month, and no one even noticed it

Reading time 4 minutes

A provocative artist, Brian Whiteley, announced that he hung one of his works in a hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, which is located 15 min away from the White House, in a room №435 on the first of August 2018.

In his email to American publishing company Hyperallergic, Whiteley declared that a lot of guests had stayed in a room № 435 after he placed the picture: and it seems like no one was even bothered by this piece of art because there were no complaints. The artist connects this situation with an idea that people are undoubtedly devoted to Trump regardless of the political course he embraces.

Тучи сгущаются над Белым домом / Фотография Брайна Уайтли — Darkening shadows above the White House/ Brian Whiteley’s Photograph

In this painting, we can see Vladimir Putin sitting on a chair. Behind him, there is the White House, above which we can notice darkening shades and storm clouds, resembling the beginning of the Apocalypse. The interesting detail is that the Russian President wears Donald Trump’s red tie that unites them and — according to the artist — captures the essence of a «cult of authoritarianism» created by Trump in the US.

A Whiteley’s close friend — willing to stay anonymous — commented on this situation to the magazine Hyperallergic telling that they booked the room for a night specially to hang the painting. After, they went out drinking and later asked some Trump supporters to come over to their room. When they saw a painting, one of them said: «Putin, fuck yeah», which totally surprised him away.

«Заставил Америку вновь ненавидеть» / Фотография Брайна Уайтли — “Made America Hate Again” / Brian Whiteley’s Photograph

In fact, Brian Whiteley frequently uses his art to express his opinion on Trump’s politics. For instance, in March 2016 he placed a tombstone signed «Trump, Donald J.» with an epitaph: «Made America Hate Again» in Central Park. The work was removed after three hours, but still managed to become an Internet hit.

Now it is impossible to see the painting because, according to Whiteley, the artist returned to the hotel and took back his masterpiece after a month. And only then he was noticed by security and he got escorted from the hotel as quickly as possible.

However, the hotel’s administration claims the whole story to be fabricated and none of these happened for real.

Портрет Путина покидает отель Трампа / Фотография Брайна Уайтли — The portrait of Putin leaves the Trump’s suite/ Brian Whiteley’s Photography

It is difficult to say if the painting of Vladimir Putin truly had been placed in Donald Trump’s suite or if it is really nothing more than just a good PR method, but anyways it cause a wide resonance in society and it is going to be discussed for a while.

“Well, what happened while I was gone?”
Барак Обама выступил с речью впервые после того, как покинул Белый дом

Reading time 10 minutes

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What happened?

During the first public appearances after stepping down as President Barack Obama spoke about the intention to work with young people and to prepare politicians of the new generation. At the meeting with students of the University of Chicago, the former President spoke about America, leadership, appropriate behavior in social networks and even marriage. “What he is not touched, so it’s his successor,” the otmechaet by the Associated Press.

Return to home

His speech, the politician decided to start with a joke: “Well, what happened while I was gone?” After a short introduction-story of a native city and the University of Chicago, where he led constitutional and electoral law before he was elected to the Senate, Obama admitted that this stage of life wants to work with young professionals.

“Despite the fact that there are many issues that need attention, the most important thing I can do to help prepare the next generation of leaders to take our relay in this changing world”.

Post to Twitter the University of Chicago

Obama stated with confidence that to get rid of the rift that formed between parties after elections in November 2016, I can only young Americans. For this reason, it will work with those who are planning to take seats in the government.

“In whatever state I may be, I always meet a witty, insightful, patient, thoughtful and enterprising guys. They are the reason I remain optimistic, even when things don’t go the way I want”.

Most of the time, Obama asked the students, while talking about their own way to the head of the United States. Topics raised at the forum was the transformation of the judicial system, the influence of money on politics, ecology and citizenship of young people.

“It’s something that prevents us to face the problems and to achieve success in political and public life,” said the ex-President.

Obama gave the students some advice. For example, to watch what they post in social networks, to be closer to family, “listening to understand, not to reply”, and, most importantly, “to worry less about who they want to be, but more about what you want to do.”

Press Reaction

For half an hour, during which lasted the forum, Barack Obama never mentioned the name of the current President of the United States Donald trump, and has also avoided direct criticism of his actions, notes CNN.

Obama has made it clear he was not going to become a “mouthpiece of the Democratic party” and to participate in the current political struggle. “He prefers to play the role of a counselor and stay in the shade. However, at the right time, when needed, he will go out from there,” quotes CNN.

“the American presidency directly after the withdrawal from his post did not interfere in politics. So the current policy it to intervene will not. Obama chose the path of public activities — work with young people. I think that’s what he will do,” noted the Director of Fund of studying of the USA Franklin Roosevelt MSU Yuri Rogalev on radio Sputnik.

Another point which attracted the attention of the American media, is the level of the speech of the former and present owners of the White house. American journalist and comedian Andy Borowitz in The New Yorker magazine prokomentiroval it’s the 44th President of the United States: “In his speech at the University of Chicago, former President Barack Obama unleashed on the listener merciless barrage of complete sentences, which was perceived as a brutal attack on his successor”.

Column by Andy Borowitz at the New Yorker — Column by Andy Borowitz in the New Yorker

On Obama’s speech and reacted to in social networks, Twitter and Instagram was full of posts with the hashtag #IMissObama.

post with the hashtag #IMissObama — Posts with the hashtag #IMissObama

American Reaction to Obama's speech in Instagram — American Reaction to Obama’s speech in Instagram

Up to this point, the former head of US tried not to appear in public. In March the Washington Post soosaluthat Obama moved to the island of Tetiaroa in the Pacific ocean, to begin work on his memoirs. But after Chicago, ex-President of the performances in the major cities of America and Europe. In addition, turned out that Obama is bound by a contract with the Bank Cantor Fitzgerald, who arranges a meeting on health issues for the largest companies on wall street. For the show, which will take place in September this year, he will pay $400 thousand, which is twice the amount received for lectures Hilary Clinton, former Secretary of state and candidate for U.S. President in 2016, notes TASS reported.

What was remembered in Russia for eight years of the reign of Barack Obama?

From the statements of Obama on the “Russian theme”.

“Russia is a regional power”

In March 2014, the meeting with mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Obama was asked to comment on remarks Republican MITT Romney that Russia is the biggest geopolitical enemy of America.

“Russia is a regional power, and not because of strength, but its weakness is a threat to some of its neighbors, Obama said. — Russia’s actions do not represent the number one threat to the national security of the United States. I remain much more concerned about the question of our security in connection with threat of distribution of nuclear weapons”.

“Russia is isolated and its economy in tatters”

In January 2015, the traditional state of the Union address Barack Obama said that sanctions have completely destroyed the Russian economy:

“Last year, on the background of the aggression of Mr Putin, we, together with allies carried out the hard work of imposing sanctions, strengthened our presence in the frontline States. Some said that Putin’s actions workshop was a demonstration of strategy and power. But today, that America is strong and United with our allies, while Russia is isolated and its economy in tatters”.

“will he (Putin) is to destroy the economy of his country?”

From the speech at the G7 summit in June 2015:

“Will he (Putin) is to destroy the economy of the country, worsen the position of Russia in its quest to restore the glory of the Soviet Empire? Or recognizes, finally, that the glory of Russia not to violate the territorial integrity of neighboring countries?”

“Ronald Reagan in a coffin would be turned over”

At a press conference at the White house December 16, 2016 on the choice of the Republicans:

“37 % of Republican voters approve of Vladimir Putin, the former head of the KGB. Ronald Reagan in a coffin would be turned over”, — said the President of the United States.

“Russia is smaller and weaker country, they do not produce anything that others want to buy”

16 December 2016 at a press conference in the White house Barack Obama is constantly talking about Russia. Particularly striking was the comparison of Russia with the United States:

“Russia is smaller and weaker from the point of view of Economics, they do not produce anything that others want to buy, with the exception of oil, gas and weapons. They do not innovate”.

What else to read?

Step to the Elysee Palace
Макрон победил в первом туре выборов президента Франции

Reading time 8 minutes

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What happened?

In France on 23 April, the first round of the presidential election. The leader of movement “Forward!” and former economy Minister Emmanuel macron scored 23.75% of the votes. Next is the head of “National front” marine Le Pen – 21,53%.

results of the first round — Source ria.ru

In Paris for the Makron vote 34% of the vote, while Le Pen in the capital supported for 4.99%. The macron has become a leader in Lyon, in the Department of Gironde (capital Bordeaux), Toulouse and several other cities. Turnout made 78,23%.

the Distribution of candidates-leaders of departments of France — the Distribution of candidates-leaders in the departments of France

Who maintains the Rules?

The current President of France Francois Hollande congratulated Emmanuel Macron with a victory in the first stage of the presidential election and officially said that will vote for the founder of the movement “Forward!”.

Loser “Republican” Francois Fillon (he third place, 19,91%) urged his supporters to vote in the second round of the Macron. He added that the victory of marine Le Pen may lead the country to collapse.

The candidate of the Socialist party, Benoit Hamon, the Prime Minister of France Bernard Cazeneuve, Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault also made in support of the Macron.

What do the winners of the first round?

After the results of Makron made in front of supporters and journalists at the exhibition complex of Porte de Versailles on the outskirts of Paris. He said that he was going to become President of France in 15 days, “President of the patriots vs nationalists”, “a President who protects, changes and builds.”

“We got a chance to turn the page in French political history. The French expressed the desire for renewal”.

Marine Le Pen meeting with supporters in Henin-beaumont in the Pas-de-Calais called the result of the first round of “historic”. In her view, at stake is “frightening globalization” that threatens the nation.

“it is Time to liberate the French people from the shackles of the arrogant elite who dictates his will. And Yes, I’m the people’s candidate“.

protest

During the vote to a precinct in the town of Henin-beaumont, where the votes of marine Le Pen, here Nude Femen activists wearing masks itself Le Pen, her father Jean-Marie, Bashar al-Assad, Vladimir Putin and Donald trump. They were detained by the police.

After the publication of the first results of the elections in Paris on Bastille square was held a rally “anti-fascists and anti-capitalists” who were against Le Pen, and Emmanuel Macron. About 300 protesters chanted: “We still, marine Le Pen or macron! We do not recognize the election results!”. The police used against the demonstrators with tear gas. 143 people arrested in clashes with police injured three protesters and six police officers.

Emmanuel macron and his program

Macron studied in National school of administration and Institute for policy studies. In 2007 he served as Deputy Rapporteur for the Commission on the improvement of French growth led by Jacques Attali. Then he met with the influential Rothschild family, became an investment banker at Rothschild &Cie Banque. From 2012 to 2014 he was Deputy Secretary-General of the Elysee Palace with President Francois Hollande.

Since August 2014, he occupied the post of Minister of economy, Finance and industry, but two years later resigned.

In April 2016, macron has created a movement of “Go!“, declaring it “neither right nor left”. In November 2016, macron said about his participation in the presidential election and published a book-the “Revolution”.

The candidate refers the project “the economy of the future” and identifies six priority areas: education, employment, modernization of the economy, security, restoration of democracy and participation in international life.

	offers?
Education	reducing the number of students in classes independent schools increase the number of teachers four or five thousand people
	wage increases extension of unemployment benefits development of training programs to employees enhancement of agreements between enterprises and the industry
Security	creation of a domestic intelligence for counter-terrorism increase defense spending to 2% of GDP the introduction of compulsory military service for boys and girls additional employment of 10 thousand policemen and gendarmes
	reduce state spending by 60 billion euros over five years introduction of a luxury tax (real estate) the introduction of a fixed tax of 30 % on capital income abolition of this tax from the voters for 80% of families
Democracy	permit hijabs in universities support for gender equality
International relations	strengthening cooperation between the countries of the European Union building a “demanding” dialogue with Russia to resolve the crisis in Ukraine and Syria

Earlier macron stressed that “doesn’t want to compromise with Putin.”

“Russia has great people, great culture and history. We were often allies, including during the Soviet era. However, to date there is no reason to allow Russia to violate international law,” said macron interview the magazine Jeune Afrique.

Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow is committed to building a “good and mutually beneficial relations” with Paris.

“as for the elections, we respect the choice of the French people. The French must decide who will be their President.”

What experts say

Doctor of historical Sciences, Deputy Dean of the faculty of World economy and world politics HSE Igor Kovalyov specifically for HIT. MEDIA:

Program of Macron is an attempt to maintain the course that France was preaching and implemented. Given the contemporary challenges of migration crisis and the crisis in the European Union and against the background of a British exit from the EU, I think it is unlikely that this policy will seriously improve the situation of France and strengthen its status in Europe.

If it does the script, which at one time worked against Jean-Marie Le pen, when all candidates and all political forces United only in order not to let the right front, the Makron could become President. Another thing is that since that time has been quite a dramatic change, changed France, changed the party “national front”, marine Le Pen is not such an unusual candidate, like her father. Let’s see how events will develop. After the first round there are still two weeks will be a continuation of the campaign, with a new composition – not eleven, but two candidates.

Second round of presidential elections will be held on 7 may.

Now you can, Mr. Erdogan!
Референдум в Турции наделяет президента «султанскими» полномочиями

Reading time 8 minutes

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What happened?

Held on 16 April referendum, the majority of Turkish citizens voted for the introduction of the 18th amendment to the Constitution of the country. According to these amendments, the Republic of Turkey changed the form of government from a parliamentary to presidential, and the President is concentrating in their hands almost unlimited power. Thus abolishes the post of Prime Minister, the President is entitled to appoint Ministers and other senior officials, as well as the majority of constitutional court judges without the approval of Parliament. He controls the state budget, can dissolve the Parliament and to enter in the country state of emergency. After the entry into force of amendments in the Constitution, Erdogan will remain head of state until 2029 as the current term of his presidency will be cancelled.

At the same time, the Parliament will have the power to impeach. The number of deputies will increase from 550 to 600, and presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on the same day every 5 years.

‘ll Wait if “strong hand”?

Supported at the referendum of constitutional amendments in most of them should enter into force after the next presidential election, scheduled for November 2019. Opposition politicians fear that Erdogan will be able to obtain additional authority before this term, however, the Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek assured that nothing of the sort is planned.

The opposition leader Fethullah Gulen, see in the upcoming reform of the “hard dictatorship” and the collapse of democracy in the country.

The idea of “strong hand” gained popularity in the Turkish society especially after the failed military coup in July 2016. After the referendum, Erdogan rally in Istanbul promised to raise the issue of the return of the death penalty, which Turkey has been formally abolished in 2002 as the fulfillment of the requirements of the European Union on the admission of the country into its ranks.

feedback on the referendum

Before the end of counting of votes of the opposition “Republican people’s party” (CHP) has questioned the legitimacy of the vote, demanding a recount of up to 60% of the vote. The reason was sudden change rules of acceptance of ballots. According to the Chairman of the CHP Kemal kılıçdaroğlu, the commissions began to accept ballots without the seal, although such ballots were considered invalid.

Manfred Weber, the German politician and the leader of the center-right group, wrote on Twitter: “Regardless of the outcome of the referendum Erdogan split the country.”

After the April referendum American CNN said that Turkish democracy was dead, and the counting of votes was rigged.

The President of the United States trump congratulated Erdogan on winning the referendum and thanked for the support of the American missile attack in response to “the use of chemical weapons” in Flibe.

Context: Turkish-Russian relations

In 2015, Russia’s relations with Turkey have deteriorated sharply because of a downed Turkish fighter jet Russian su-24, which carried out the bombing site near the Syrian-Turkish border. In this regard, has suspended sale of vacation packages to Turkey, in November 2015 Vladimir Putin signed a decree a ban on the import of certain types of goods into the territory of the Russian Federation. In response, Turkey refused from Russian grain. Because of the embargo on the Turkish vegetables, the price of tomatoes in Russia, according to some experts, has increased three times. Overall both sides suffered losses amounting to billions of dollars.

In June 2016 Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent Vladimir Putin a letter of apology for the downed aircraft and talked to him on the phone bilateral relations. After that, the sale of tours to Turkey resumed. In December 2016 in Ankara was killed by Russian Ambassador Andrei Karlov, which Russia suspended the debate on the abolition of visas for Turkish citizens.

From January 2017 for the first time Russia together with the Turkish armed forces began to strike back at terrorist groups in Syria. However, the positions of countries on the Syrian conflict differ substantially with respect to some opposing the government of Syria groups, as well as President Bashar al-Assad.

the Mikhail Delyagin, writer:

– Finding essentially absolute power, Erdogan has taken a clear anti-Russian position along with trump calling for Assad’s responsibility for chemical attack in Idlib and declaring us “grain war.” The hostility of Erdogan’s actions are obvious. Probably, it is supposed that “Russian is not going anywhere” and will endure all for the sake of the recovery of tourism and the creation of the “Turkish stream”.

backwards – from the European Union?

Supporters of Turkey’s accession to the EU believe that the country is “global geo-strategic player” and a “bridge between West and East.” Opponents point to the non-observance by Turkey of the principles of liberal democracy, such as freedom of speech.

According to Erdogan, in 2015, only 20% of the population wanted the joining of Turkey to the EU, while in 2005 this number reached 75%. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent ARINC said that the accession to the European Union ceased to be of interest to the citizens of the country.

expert Opinion

Researcher, Institute of Oriental studies Ilshat Saitov specifically for Hit.media:

– Presidential system implies a different management style. In a parliamentary system, erdoğan has been a kind of exception: after Ataturk and Ismet Inonu, the first two leaders of the Republic, which were quite authoritarian and rigid, had been introduced a multi-party system, Turkey has become more democratic and pluralistic. Erdogan returned to the days of one-party system, lays the Foundation for the next President had far greater powers than the Prime Minister in a parliamentary Republic. Strategically it will affect Russian-Turkish relations.

the Sergey Tsyplyaev, Dean of the law faculty of the Northwest Institute of managment, member of Committee of Civil initiatives (in an interview to “echo of Moscow”):

– Turkey froze in that position like a pendulum at the top – where’s it headed? Or she will go further in the direction of modernization on the road, which started Kemal Ataturk, pulling the Turkey out of the world of the Middle East, or it fell in the same vortex when you will be irremovable, weak, corrupt regimes. And then the entire opposition, in the absence of other options, will begin to take on terrorist, extremist, fanatical character.

Musical and a political show
Организаторы «Евровидения» не смогли урегулировать российско-украинский конфликт

Reading time 8 minutes

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What happened?

This year the song contest “Eurovision” will take place without participant from Russia, and Russian TV channels will not broadcast this popular show. On 13 April, the European broadcasting Union in his letter, the First channel reported inability to resolve the question of the participation of Yulia Samoilova in the competition.

After that, the leadership of the First channel said that it is not going to broadcast the event. First consider the decision of the host country of the competition are unfounded and see it as Ukraine’s attempt to give political character to the contest, “whose goal throughout its 62-year history was the unification of the people.” Media holding VGTRK has expressed solidarity with the First channel and also boycotted the stream.

the Positions of the parties

The President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko at the briefing in Latvia stated that the main goal for Russia was not the participation in “Eurovision”, and provocation, which manifested itself in the direction of the contest of the person that violated Ukrainian legislation. Poroshenko expressed his attitude to the incident:

“I am happy that thanks to the effective actions of the Ukrainian authorities that provocation was avoided”.

The official representative of EMU David Goodman said that the organization condemns the decision by Ukrainian authorities to allow Yulia Samoylova is an attack on “non-political character and mission” of the competition.

The CEO of the Eurovision song contest Ingrid Deltenre expressed regret that the contest is used as a means of political games, and recalled that Eurovision is supposed to unite people, not “to pit them together”.

Your opinion with the community shared the national actress of the USSR Alla Pugacheva:

“I know Julia, you know her dream to perform at Eurovision. Everything else is so hectic for such nonsense, because, when singing a person with a disability needs to calm all strife”.

The following year, Julia Samoylova, regardless of the venue of the competition will represent him and Russia. This agreement with the EBU, on 14 April, announced the General Director of channel Konstantin Ernst.

However, as reports Lenta.ru, EBU will consider the suspension of Russia from participation in 2018 on the basis of rules, according to which the country refused to broadcast the show, deprived of the right to send its representative to next year. Final decision will be taken after the contest in Kiev.

As the events unfolded?

That the security Service of Ukraine has forbidden Yulia Samoilova entry into the country for a period of 3 years, it became known in late March. The reason for this was not agreed with the Ukrainian authorities, the performance of Julia in Kerch in 2015. Then began the search for variants in which the girl could participate.

The compromise proposed by the EBU did not satisfy the Russian side. Julia was invited to speak remotely with broadcast satellite communications. Remote performance of the participant in the competition is not provided by the rules, however, EMU has agreed to make an exception.

The leadership of the First channel was strongly opposed, on the grounds that it contradicts the sense of the competition. The main producer of music and entertainment programs of the First channel Yuri Aksyuta said that a mandatory rule of the contest is a live performance of actors on stage.

The second option was the replacement of the Russian party. Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Vyacheslav Kirilenko said that Russia will be able to participate in the competition, if a new delegate will have no problems with Ukrainian legislation. Russia to change the party refused.

Financial and reputational consequences

The failure of the First channel to broadcast “Eurovision”, according to preliminary estimates, special advertising losses will not bring, as the stream can be replaced by other content. In 2015 on advertising during the “Eurovision” channel has earned 100 million rubles. This year, the numbers could reach 130 million Loss could be around 30 million Audience of “Eurovision” in the world will decrease by more than 12 million people, reports “Komsomolskaya Pravda”.

How will the lack of broadcasting in Russia, the European broadcasting Union, said music producer Valentyn Koval:

“the Number of viewers who watch the “Eurovision” in Russia or any other country, is unlikely to affect the financial condition of the organising Committee. Typically, the member pays contributions for the right to show “Eurovision”, and for the opportunity to send the competition participant. If one of the forty participating countries will refuse to broadcast or participate, it is unlikely it will seriously affect the financial picture of the inside of the European broadcasting Union. From year to year in different countries refuse to participate in “Eurovision” for various reasons, but the EMU neither cold nor hot”.

The leader of group “the time Machine” Andrei Makarevich sure that those who prepared Julia to participate, could not know the laws of Ukraine and what it could be. But he stressed that for the sake of events, “which depends on the prestige of the state”, it was possible to make an exception: “It is nonsense on both sides”.

expert Opinions Hit.Media

Associate Professor, faculty of social Sciences, Mikhail Mironyuk appreciated the “Eurovision conflict” between Russia and Ukraine.

“it is an adequate choice of women from Russia, absolutely inadequate reaction of neighboring States and logical conclusion – failure of the First channel and “Russia”. But I think it will not affect relations between the two countries – they are already at the lowest level. Next only possible step is simply the rupture of relations”.

Professor of the theory and practice of interaction of business and government Leonid Polyakov projects the situation in relations with Europe:

“From our side a choice Samoilova was not so much political as humanitarian. Girl with alternative opportunities, and with a great vocal talent had the right to represent Russia. It is a kind of test for Europe of how she would be sensitive to discrimination against such participant. Test Europe has not passed – despite talk of “inadmissibility”, boycotting, and even some sanctions against Ukraine, all ultimately ended as it did: the competition will be held as usual. Europe will support special “regime of tolerance” for Ukraine, no matter what she did.”

What else to read?

Material Hit.Media about the way Yulia Samoilova to Eurovision