Size: Long

Long materials with a reading time of more than 5 minutes

“I hope, my last word will not be the last”

Блогеру Соколовскому грозит три с половиной года колонии за ловлю покемонов в храме

Reading time 12 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

What happened?

The prosecution demanded to sentence the new Ruslan Sokolovsky to three and a half years in a penal colony. This statement in the judicial debates in the Ekaterinburg district court gave the Prosecutor Ekaterina Kalinina. In her speech, she also noted that a blogger accused of extremism and insulting the feelings of believers, expresses a negative attitude not only to the Church but to the state as a whole. “The information in the video “Anus itself block, Roskomnadzor”, shows how Sokolowski refers to the state, the President, the citizens. Expression of disrespect to the state is unacceptable, and suspended sentence will only breed a sense of impunity,” – said Kalinin. Ruslan Sokolovsky, in turn, is not guilty. The final verdict will be announced on 11 may at 11 o’clock.

what judge Sokolowski?

In early August of 2016 blogger filmed a prank video about how he plays the popular mobile game Pokemon Go in the Temple-on-Blood in Ekaterinburg. A video posted on the Youtube channel Sokolowski, attracted the attention of both media and the Ministry of internal Affairs. A few weeks later the blogger was arrested on charges of offending religious feelings (article 148 of the criminal code) and inciting hatred or enmity, and humiliation of human dignity (article 282 of the criminal code). First, Sokolovsky was placed in jail, but the defense appealed this decision, and he was transferred under house arrest.

During the investigation it became known that since may 2013 to September 2016 Sokolowski posted on his channel nine videos that, according to experts, contain signs of extremism and insults the feelings of believers. In addition, after searching the apartment of blogger, the investigation found a ballpoint pen with a hidden camera in the housing. This finding has led to the fact that Sokolovsky, among other things, accused in one episode according to the article 138 of the criminal code (trafficking of special technical means for secret obtaining of information) – use hidden camera.

At the time of trial Sokolovsky accused of committing 17 criminal episodes.

What is the reaction of the accused?

During the meeting on April 28 Ruslan Sokolovsky made the last word. The blogger admitted that he was shocked by the requested time: “I was in jail and realize that this is only a prelude to hell.”

Sokolovsky also said he still considers himself an atheist, a cosmopolitan and libertarian without any religion and nationality. According to videoblogger in prison, he met many believers and realized how vulnerable and sensitive they really are. Despite this blogger about religion have not changed. Some of the offended believers threatened Sokolowski rape. The reasons for this hate blogger doesn’t understand.

“I am not an extremist. I may be an idiot, but I am in no way an extremist. As told by the experts, is not my fault that I denied God, and that I denied God using math. And I don’t know since when the Mat is considered to be extremism”, – said Sokolowski, before thanking the public for their support.

Also, the blogger admitted that he knows, if he survives in prison and released after three and a half years, you will lose everything that he has now: work, school, girls.

“I hope, my last word will not be the last,” added Sokolowski.

Why Sokolovsky generally hunted in the temple?

In the summer of 2016, when the scandalous video Sokolovsky only beginning to gain popularity, many YouTube viewers were convinced that the main goal of the blogger is to cause as much “hype” (hype) around his person. In response to this, Sokolowski recorded another video, which explained his position: “Many people are accusing me that I pursue HYIP. But, you know, first, all bloggers are chasing the hype because it is the work of blogger. And secondly, if I really was chasing a HYIP, I would now filmed DIY (stands for Do It Yourself – “do it with your hands.” Sokolowski says on the popular online video-lessons hand-made approx.ed.), but not video, which I could go to jail. It just has a more difficult path”.Also, the blogger added that catching pokemon in the temple is, first and foremost, a protest against the law on insulting the feelings of believers: “We don’t have to live in a country where we are bound hand and foot because of some sectarians. Why do they come to schools and teach some “Word of God”, and we teach the theory of evolution in the churches have no right?”.

In addition, Sokolovsky assured his audience that to insult or humiliate any he was not going: “I wanted to draw attention to the problem of obscurantism, but not to insult any specific people. I, in fact, did nothing wrong – was in the temple with the phone. All”.

How to relate to the ongoing social network users?

untitled (3)

untitled (4)

untitled (5)

untitled (6)

Leonid Volkov, head of the election headquarters of Alexei Navalny tweeted:

untitled (8)

Alexey Navalny, commenting on the severity of the sentence, wrote the following:

untitled (7)

Sports journalist Vasily Utkin and does put forward his own theory, which explains the drop in popularity of Pokemon Go:

untitled (9)

What is the “law on insulting the feelings of believers”?

Blasphemy laws exist in many countries. Their main task is to protect the citizens belonging to a particular faith from harassment. The attitude of legislators to the defamation of religion varies greatly from sentence to death for insulting Islam (Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia), or long imprisonment (Indonesia, Algeria, India) to complete absence of structure of a crime (European Union, USA).

In Russia up to 2013, the insult of feelings of believers was considered only an administrative offence. Under the ban got the deliberate desecration of the liturgical books and religious documents and ritual objects of special veneration: signs, emblems, slogans and symbols.

In early June 2013 the State Duma adopted the amendment to increase liability “for insulting the feelings of believers.” On 29 June, the law approved by the Federation Council entered into force. The most significant change was the establishment of criminal liability in the form of imprisonment for “public actions expressing clear disrespect for society and committed to insult the religious feelings of believers”.

expert Comments specifically for HIT.MEDIA:

Gleb Bogush

Gleb Bogush, PhD, associate Professor, faculty of law, HSE:

— I believe that this whole process is the unjustified use of criminal law and misappropriation of state resources needed for more important and useful purposes. For example, the fight against terrorism.

In Russia up to 2013, the insult of feelings of believers was considered only an administrative offence. Under the ban got the deliberate desecration of the liturgical books and religious documents and ritual objects of special veneration: signs, emblems, slogans and symbols.

In early June 2013 the State Duma adopted the amendment to increase liability “for insulting the feelings of believers.” On 29 June, the law approved by the Federation Council entered into force. The most significant change was the establishment of criminal liability in the form of imprisonment for “public actions expressing clear disrespect for society and committed to insult the religious feelings of believers”.

expert Comments specifically for HIT.MEDIA:

Gleb Bogush

Gleb Bogush, PhD, associate Professor, faculty of law, HSE:

— I believe that this whole process is the unjustified use of criminal law and misappropriation of state resources needed for more important and useful purposes. For example, the fight against terrorism.

Punishment Sokolowski requested by the representative of the state prosecution, is not only an act of extraordinary cruelty, but demand not in accordance with the law. In accordance with the Criminal code (article 60), the sentence must reflect the public danger of the crime and the identity of the perpetrator, take into account the influence of the appointed punishment on correction of the perpetrator and the living conditions of his family. Even if we agree that the actions Sokolowski contain structure of the crime to imprison a young person for a non – violent act- the measure is unjustified. Isolation from society is the exclusive means, especially in relation to persons not previously convicted. It is obvious that she is beyond any reasonable court of coercive measures. We should not forget that the requested sentence Sokolowski exceeds the maximum term of punishment for some kinds of murder (intentional killing of another person).

I’d like to remind the Prosecutor that the provisions of the Criminal code for him as required, both for the court and other state bodies. Of course, far beyond the powers of the Prosecutor are heard in the debate Sokolowski wishes to leave the state because he supposedly negatively related to it. A negative attitude to the state, not to mention the individual institutions, if it is not manifested in illegal actions, is not subject to criminal-legal assessment. Freedom of opinion and expression is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Russian Federation and international law. Not the Prosecutor to decide where and how must the citizens of the Russian Federation.

The use of deprivation of liberty in the fight against free speech is futile and harmful.

The blog is in prison not jail. Unlike blogger, unfortunately.

read more:

Grand final of space journey

Cassini приступил к завершающей стадии 20-летней миссии по изучению Сатурна

Reading time 10 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

What happened?

The spacecraft Cassini, designed to explore Saturn and its moons, has entered the last phase of its journey – the Grand Finale. The probe will “dive” into the previously unexplored space between the planet and its rings, allowing scientists to obtain unique data, and then will be burned in the upper atmosphere of Saturn. So ends his journey, which lasted almost 20 years.

What is Cassini?
кассини1
Cassini during a test

The robot spacecraft Cassini was developed in a joint project of NASA, the European space agency and the Italian space agency in 1997. It was given a unique task – to reach Saturn, the sixth planet of the Solar system, and explore the planet itself, its moons and famous rings. The unit is equipped with all the necessary equipment from the sensors of cosmic dust to the radio antennas.

Here you can get acquainted with Cassini for a closer look.

кассини2
Huygens in the cut

An important part of the spacecraft was the Huygens module, which was supposed to land on the surface of Titan – one of Saturn’s moons, in order to examine the detailed.

Thus, the mission Cassini-Huygens was to become one of the most important achievements of mankind in space exploration. Automatic spacecraft would reach Saturn, becoming its first artificial satellite, and a lander module for the first time would land on the surface of Titan.

The Story of Cassini. Take-off

кассини3

Cassini went in flight on 15 October 1997 from Cape Canaveral in Florida. To start it took a special booster “Titan-4B” with an additional upper stage “Centaurus”. Saturn, as you know, is at a great distance from the Earth – that is what forced scientists to resort to such measures. However, not even this was enough: Cassini went not to the point of its destination but… Venus.

The maneuver, which can cause confusion for an untrained person, however, was part of a well-planned operation. Cassini had to overcome the distance to Saturn with minimal expenditure of energy in order to successfully complete the task. For this, the researchers used the gravitational fields of the three planets: Venus, Earth and Jupiter.

кассини4
the Presumed trajectory of Cassini

26 April 1998 Cassini skirted Venus, having received the required acceleration, then corrected its course and again passed the “evening star”. After that, the spacecraft flew between the Earth and the Moon and went to the purpose of his journey. About the middle of the road Cassini flybied Jupiter and July 1, 2004, after 7 years of flying, entered the orbit of Saturn.

The Story of Cassini. The study of Saturn
кассини5
“Eyes of Saturn”

However, a space odyssey of Cassini-Huygens has not ended – here began the most interesting part – the study of Saturn and its moons. The spacecraft spent in orbit of the planet nearly 13 years and took lots of pictures of the object of study and its satellites. The Cassini’s camera allowed scientists to see Saturn from a very close distance, visually examine its atmosphere and eddies in it.

кассини6
the Surface of Rhea

Cassini also made the most important pictures of Saturn’s moons, through which scientists have learned, for example, the existence of liquids on Titan. Being an artificial satellite of the planet, the spacecraft could not move away from it at a considerable distance, but even this did not prevent him to capture some stunning photos of Titan, Enceladus, Tethys, Mimas and other moons of “the planet with rings”.

кассини7
Clouds on Titan

Module Huygens, in turn, was preoccupied with more problems – he managed to land on the surface of Titan and take samples from soil and atmosphere of Saturn’s moon. Because of this, scientists have learned that the surface of this moon has lakes, and also recorded several chemical anomalies, which may indicate the presence of life on Titan.

To learn more about the most important results of the Cassini-Huygens mission see this timeline:

Cassini

The Story of Cassini. Grand Finale

April 26, 2017, Cassini launched the final phase of it’s journey, which is called the Grand Finale. The spacecraft first entered the space between Saturn and its rings, allowing scientists to obtain photographs of the planet taken as close to.

22 rendezvous with Saturn are planned, and Cassini will not only take pictures of the planet, but also will gather important scientific data. The spacecraft must map the gravitational and magnetic fields of Saturn, analyze the composition of its rings and atmosphere.

Cassini will end it’s mission September 15, 2017, when the unit will go into the upper atmosphere of Saturn to study its composition. It will transmit to the Earth the most important data to the moment until it is destroyed. This method to complete the work Cassini was not chosen by chance – the device has been in space for 13 years already and has almost exhausted it’s resources. Leaving it in orbit of Saturn is dangerous because the probe can fall into one of the satellites of the planet and stop their study in the future. So NASA believe that burning Cassini in the atmosphere will be the best solution:

– Always sad to see the end of the mission, but the last flight, Cassini will be the greatest end of the most rich scientific space project. Now Cassini has virtually exhausted the reserves of fuel used to adjust course. If you leave things as they are, operators will no longer be able to control it. The burning of Cassini in the atmosphere ensures that it will not affect further research

Comments of participants of the  Cassini-huygens project

British Professor Carl Murray participated in the project for 27 years. In the interview he told the BBC why the Cassini mission is the most interesting expedition ever conducted:

CarlMurray3_06-2015_crop– It was an amazingly successful mission. For 13 years we have been studying the planet from its orbit. It turned out that Saturn and its satellites there are times of the year, and rings to alter their structure over time. One of the most amazing discoveries made by Cassini is an ocean of liquid water under ice on one of Saturn’s moons, Enceladus. Through cracks in the ice cover of the ejected substance, and it contains molecular hydrogen, which on Earth is associated with water vapor and ocean depths and in General with life. People are always trying to figure out whether there was water on Mars and where it went. But now, I think the search will be concentrated on the periphery of the Solar system

Andrew Coates, British Professor of physics and Deputy Director of Muranowski laboratory for space research, worked on the project Cassini-Huygens for the past 28 years. Despite the success of the study, the scientist is sure that in the future mankind could expect more amazing discoveries:

11novPlanetCoat200– Now I am involved in the continuous search for life on Mars with the ExoMars Rover 2020 and the icy moons of Jupiter mission JUICE. In addition, in the mid-2020s, NASA plans to launch a mission of the Europa Clipper. It all sounds very tempting!

Gallery of the best photos by Cassini:

Additional information:

 

“Well, what happened while I was gone?”

Барак Обама выступил с речью впервые после того, как покинул Белый дом

Reading time 10 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

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
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.

Yuri Rogulev on radio Sputnik
Yuri Rogulev on radio Sputnik

“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

[epapop id=’3958′]

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.

Detention of activists

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

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:

Igor Kovalyov 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

[epapop id=’3958′]

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

[epapop id=’3958′]

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

 

Argument or agreement?

Чем закончилась встреча Лаврова и Тиллерсона в Москве

Reading time 13 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

What happened?

In Moscow ended a meeting of Sergei Lavrov and Rex Tillerson, held April 12 in the closed mode. As the results of the talks, the parties held a press conference late in the night, also noting that Secretary of state was made personally by Vladimir Putin. According to representatives of the Russian Federation and the United States, the meeting was quite promising: the politicians discussed many important issues and listened to the perspective of each other.

Working group to address urgent issues

A major outcome of the talks was the decision on the allocation of the special representatives of Russia and the U.S. for further discussion of problematic issues in relations between the two countries. The working group will, according to Lavrov, “in detail, without emotion, to look at those irritants that have accumulated in relations in recent years”. U.S. Secretary of state supports this idea, noting that Russia and the United States do not trust each other. “The two nuclear powers can’t be in this state,” said Tillerson.

Fate of Syria

However, the main theme of the meeting remained the Syrian issue, the views of the parties which seriously broke. The biggest conflict arose around the recent missile strike the U.S. air base in Syria. Russia regards this move as a deliberate provocation aimed at the overthrow of current President Bashar al-Assad. USA, in turn, confident in the correctness of the decision, although official evidence of the use of chemical weapons by Syria is not currently provided. CNN, however, utverjdaetthat American intelligence was able to intercept the Syrian military for this reason.

Sergei Lavrov and Rex Tillerson also discussed the future of Syria, which the current President, according to the American side, no place. U.S. Secretary of state said that “Assad’s regime is coming to an end” due to years of war in the country. Tillerson, however, said that the Syrian President “must undergo a structured and organized manner”, and expressed hope for cooperation with Russia in this matter. Lavrov in response said that Russia “does not rely on any person, neither for Assad nor for someone else,” and the question about the future of Syria should be resolved by the Syrians themselves.

Despite numerous disagreements, the sides still managed to identify a common position regarding the Syrian issue. So, Lavrov and Tillerson agreed that the fight against terrorism in the middle East need to fight together. The Russian side agreed to renew the Memorandum on the prevention of incidents in the skies over Syria, though allies will not follow it further violations.

Counteraction of the DPRK

During the talks, the sides also discussed the recently intensified the situation around the DPRK and its nuclear tests. In addition to the frequent discussions about possible US military action against Pyongyang, there is concern about the US decision to send to the Korean Peninsula carrier strike group, which not approved the DPRK. In dialogue with Lavrov Tillerson noted that the maneuvers of the ships was planned in advance, and the international community have no need for “something to turn up, due to their location and location”.

Further adding fuel to the fire of the recent publikacja New York Times on a possible nuclear test of the DPRK. The journalists believe that Pyongyang might time the sixth missile launch to the 105th anniversary since the birth of Kim Il sung. Against this background, particularly important seems the Tillerson comment about the fact that Washington and Moscow agree on the need for nuclear disarmament of the DPRK.

Minsk agreement

During the talks also touched upon the question of the Minsk agreements. According to Sergei Lavrov, Russia “felt interests” of the American side of the bilateral dialogue on the situation in Ukraine. “We have a common position that the Minsk agreement 2015 must be fulfilled”, – said the head of the foreign Ministry. Western sanctions against Russia at the meeting were discussed.

“Russian hackers”

The issue of cybersecurity, a newly-emerged after the charges Russia’s meddling in the elections in the United States, was also raised at the meeting in Moscow. Tillerson once again pointed to the presence of incontrovertible evidence of the invasion of “Russian hackers” in American cyberspace, however, the proof was never provided. Lavrov recalled U.S. Secretary of state about received even in 2015, the proposal to establish a joint fight against cybercrime, and noted that Russia “this interest is not only preserved, but also fully relevant.”

Future prospects

The development of bilateral relations between Russia and the United States is complicated primarily because of the contradictory foreign policy of the American side. Besides the attack on a military base in Syria, here we can recall the decision on adoption of Montenegro to NATO, which Moscow believe “deeply flawed”. The Ministry of foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in his message said that the event “damages the stability in the Balkans and in Europe as a whole” and does not take into account the views of the people of the country.

However, the results of the meeting of representatives of Russia and the United States are leaving hope that the stabilization of relations between the two countries. Serey Lavrov after it also noted that “many hours that we spent today with Rex Tillerson together with the President of the Russian Federation, were not spent in vain”, and also expressed hope for the continuation of contacts. The administration of the President of the United States, in turn, said the timeliness of the meeting, and he, Donald trump said that Tillerson has done a “tremendous job”.

expert Comments Hit.Media

Andrey Vinogradov, doctor of political Sciences, Professor of the higher school of Economics, believes that Russian-American relations, all is not lost, despite the current deplorable situation:

Vinogradov“We have the official position, which is shared by the Kremlin and the White house: relations between Russia and the U.S. are at the lowest stage in many years. It is a statement that does not doubt and does not contradict positions of the parties. From that moment on, our relationship deteriorated, the experts and the one and on the other hand was hoping that the lower point will be passed. But each time these predictions did not materialize. It was for many reasons both fundamental and situational”

The expert notes that trump, despite the skeptical attitude towards it, has the ability to take a new look at the situation in the U.S. foreign policy and to take measures that will help to strengthen relations with Russia. This is evidenced by the fact of arrival to Moscow Tillerson is the beginning of direct contact, establish the main positions of the parties and finding a solution that satisfies everyone.

“What happens next? Our relationship still has room to fall. However, the closer we get to this bottom, the higher the probability that the trend will change. Yesterday’s meeting could be a point when the relationship will change. Much will depend on Americans, their political situation, because, of course, trump is a serious impact,”

Andrey Vinogradov notes that the United States currently face many different problems ranging from the threat of international terrorism originating in the events of 2001, and ending North Korea’s nuclear program poses a real threat to world leadership. America wants to maintain its position as one of the leading countries, but to do it every year it becomes harder.

“I think that Americans, by the force of inertia of consciousness and other reasons, remains as the main threat perceived by Russia. For some time they forgot about it, but again think about the threat to their leadership from Russia has helped the situation in the middle East, particularly in Syria and the situation in Eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea”

However, the threat from China also seems to Americans very significant. It is no accident that all the recent US presidents, both Obama and trump, almost immediately after his inauguration, met with the Chinese leaders and then – from Russian. This clearly demonstrates the careful attention of America to China, albeit spreading more on the economic sphere. Russia is perceived as a global political rival, whose influence should be limited.

“During the 1970-ies we talked about a geopolitical triangle (USA, USSR, China), in 80-e years this concept went out of circulation, and now again possible to say that the trend of development of global international relations can be described by the concepts of simple geometric shapes. Triangle, if we are talking about East Asia, or quadrangle – if you add the European Union. I think that our relations with the United States can be considered now it is in these two geometric figures”

Dmitry Novikov, Junior researcher, Center for comprehensive European and international studies higher school of Economics, on the contrary, doubts that Russian-American relations can be a bright future. The expert attributes this primarily to provide for trump’s pressure, which is beneficial to Russia in the short term, but strategically, it carries large risks.

Novikov“The situation in Syria can negatively affect relations between the two countries, especially if the administration trump will adhere to the strategy of unilateral actions aimed at overthrowing the Assad regime. From the Russian point of view, articulated by trump during the presidential campaign, the abandonment of the practice of regime change was one of the positive aspects that Moscow welcomed. A return to this policy will meet the resistance of Russia and deterioration of relations. However, the visit Tillerson showed that the administration trump continues to seek ways to conclude a “deal” with Russia, albeit from a position of strength”

However, the probability of success of such a “deal” faster tends to zero. Starting in 2014 Russia and the United States are in a state of systemic confrontation and work exclusively in the military sphere, trying to avoid direct armed conflict. An example of such cooperation can serve the Memorandum on the prevention of incidents in the skies over Syria, which, however, is now suspended. Thus, the confrontation between Moscow and the USA almost reached its peak.

“The fundamental reasons for this confrontation are the fundamentally different approaches of Russia and the United States to how and on what principles should be arranged in the global political order, including a different assessment of the role of new centers of power in it. From the point of view of the United States, nor Russia, nor even China can’t act as equal partners of Washington. The importance of the Crimea in this sense goes far beyond Ukraine and even Europe, Russia has demonstrated the ability and willingness to use military force without the consent of other great powers and permanent members of the UN security Council”

Additional information:

 

About Kislyak are not supposed to ask

Почему МИД не ответил на вопросы журналистов, а суд отклонил их иск о нарушении закона о СМИ

Reading time 6 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

What happened?

11 APR Presnensky court rejected claim of the publication of “the Media” to the Russian foreign Ministry filed April 7, after the failure of the Ministry to provide the requested information. The claim about “illegal omission” was a reaction to the publication on the refusal to provide information about the meetings of the Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergei Kislyak with Senator Jeff Sissom and Advisor to the President of Donald trump Jared Kushner. In addition to the “Media” was interested in who the Russians contacted the former head of the electoral headquarters of the trump by Paul Manafort.

The court justified its decision on the claim from the editor-in-chief of the edition Sergey Smirnov fact that it was filed in the administrative proceeding, and this case belongs in the civil, not the same thing.

what is the essence of the claim to the Ministry of foreign Affairs?

March 3 “the Media” addressed to the Director of the Department of information and press of the Russian foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova to confirm or refute the fact of the meeting Sergei Kislyak and Jeff and Roman sessions.

Sergei Kislyak
Sergey Kislyak

As previously reported, The Washington Post, us Senator, now occupying the post of US attorney General, before the entry into this post twice met with the Russian Ambassador. Then, sessions hid this information, having declared at the hearings in the Senate that did not meet Kislyak as a representative of the team trump. Journalists interested in however, “what issues were discussed during contact”, and the status of performed sessions.

After the first treatment of the foreign Ministry left the questions of Russian media attention, so “the Media” on 18 March sent a second request. On March 27, the Ministry did respond to him, saying that the information about the contacts of Russian diplomats will not be granted.

has Been violated media law?

Edition of “the Media” have considered the refusal of the Ministry of foreign Affairs illegal as according to media law a journalist has the right to access any information unless it contains “information constituting a state, commercial or other specially protected by law secret”.

Sergey Smirnov
Sergey Smirnov

As notes the editor-in-chief Sergey Smirnov, authorities often leave journalists ‘ requests without attention. In his claim, “the Media” asked the court to oblige the Ministry to provide the necessary information and pay the state duty in the amount of 300 rubles.

Maria Zakharova
Maria Zakharova

Maria Zakharova, commenting on the situation, said “People are sitting and PR. Let them tell you how many times and in what form the foreign Ministry sent them.”

Sergey Smirnov commented on Twitter the court’s decision:

Comments Sergey Smirnov

 

 

 

 

 

 

expert

Alexey GoloshchapovAlexey Goloshchapov, PhD, associate Professor, faculty of law, HSE, Department of theory and history of law:

– Non-public information means a state, commercial or other specially protected by the law secret. The state is not obliged to disclose the reason for their actions, that are accepted by various conventions and agreements.

For example, in the “Vienna Convention on the law of treaties” governed by a political tact, diplomacy and legal etiquette. I think that it is the court planned to refer the Ministry of foreign Affairs, and his opponent — the law “On mass media”, which is based on the General regulations and may be limited to other international agreements.

Moreover, there are many unspoken rules of communication between countries for which some information should not be divulged to any of the parties. I’m not surprised that the court rejected the prosecution, and the reason is not confusion with administrative and civil claims, and that there is no real mechanism that could force the authorities to answer all the questions or hold them accountable for refusing to provide information.

read more:

Trump burn bridges in relations with Russia

Далеко идущие последствия ракетного удара США по сирийской авиабазе

Reading time 10 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]

What happened?

The seventh of April, about 4:00 in the morning local time, US forces launched a missile strike on Syrian airbase “Sirat”. From the Mediterranean sea near Crete, us destroyers “porter” and “Ross” was released 59 “Tomahawk”, the purpose of which became a military facility in the province of HOMS (approximately 160 km South of Damascus).

The same day Donald trump said that the strike was a response to a chemical attack in the province of Idlib, which, according to the Pentagon, was carried out by the Syrian air force, stationed at the “Sirat”. The American President said that “preventing and deterring the proliferation and use of deadly chemical weapons in the interests of national security of the United States.”

According to Russian sources, of the 59 cruise missiles to the airbase Shirt flew only 23. The exact number of victims is not yet established, “Izvestiya” reported ten victims of war. It is also known that as a result of the strike destroyed the warehouse, radar, school building and six MiG-23.

draw

Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov said that Putin considers strikes of the U.S. armed forces against Syria “aggression under false pretenses” and a “violation of international law.” According to the President, the chemical weapons from the Syrian authorities not – it was destroyed under the supervision of a special organization authorized by the UN. Putin also sees the strikes on Syria by United States attempt to divert world attention from the numerous victims among the civilian population in Iraq. He believes that “this move brings us closer to the ultimate goal in the fight against international terrorism, but on the contrary creates a serious obstacle to the creation of the international coalition to counter it and effectively counter this evil world that the President of the United States Donald trump proclaimed as one of the main objectives even during his election campaign.”

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov compared the incident with the situation in Iraq in 2003, when “the United States and the United Kingdom together with its allies invaded Iraq without the consent of the security Council”.

The representative of the Russian foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova announced the suspension of the Memorandum on the prevention of air incidents in Syria between Russia and the United States. After the signing of the Memorandum us and Russian military had a round the clock communication channel and to notify each other about planned operations. This helps to avoid collision of aircraft and ensure the security of the military on both sides.

What was the reason?

Early in the morning on the territory of Syria was used chemical weapons – presumably, chlorine or sarin. The attack was carried out from aircraft, eyewitnesses reported that it could be Syrian fighter-bombers su-22. According to human rights, from poisoning killed 72 people, including 20 children. Thus, the Ministry of defense of Syria, its involvement in the airstrike completely denies.

According to Donald trump, “none of the children of the Lord” shall not pass through the horror, through which Syrian civilians”. He called to “end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syria, and terrorism of all kinds and all types.”

Responsibility for the chemical attack in Idlib most of the countries put on the Damascus – this was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the President of the European Council Donald Tusk. French President Francois Hollande called the incident a war crime.

Reaction of the world community

Prime Minister Theresa may has called America’s actions “commensurate with impact” in response to Assad. Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande admitted the attack on the airbase justified, but called back to resolve the situation in Syria under the auspices of the UN. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the decision of Donald trump, saying that he “made clear that it will not tolerate the use and proliferation of chemical weapons.” Also, the number of countries that have approved the decision of the United States, were Japan, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, Italy.

An emergency UN Security Council held on 7 April at the request of Bolivia, backed by Russia, showed a divergence of views on this issue. The representative of Bolivia has compared the current situation to 2003, when U.S. Secretary of state shown here, the vial of “anthrax” as proof of the presence in Iraq of chemical weapons that later turned out to be a fiction. The view that military operations of the Syrian problem cannot be solved, expressed by the representatives of Egypt, Uruguay, Senegal, China and Japan. Britain and France have accused Assad of using chemical weapons, and therefore considered the impact of “Tomahawks” was justified.

Deputy of Russia’s permanent representative to the UN Vladimir Safronkov hit the United States with the criticism, Recalling that a few hours before the missile strike, the security Council tried to agree to conduct a qualified investigation of the events in Flybe to establish the true picture and of the perpetrators of the chemical attacks, but the US rejected this proposal.

The US representative to the UN, Nikki Haley said that “the United States has taken a very reasonable step, and we are ready for further action, but hopefully won’t need it”.

expert Opinion

Dmitry Novikov
Dmitry Novikov

the Dmitry Novikov, a specialist on Russian-American relations and U.S. foreign policy, believes that the current situation will negatively affect relations of Russia and America and collaboration space will rapidly shrink:

– Discrediting the regime of Bashar al-Assad, trump beats and across Russia, as the sponsor and patron of Assad and his actions. You can say that all hope about improving relations with America since the arrival of trump, now completely vanished. The administration of the tramp moves to the foreign mainstream, established under Obama – the opposition of Russia”.

Dmitry Suslov
Dmitry Suslov

the Dmitry Suslov, Deputy Director of the faculty of world economy and international Affairs, expert on issues of Russian foreign policy, US foreign policy, Russian-American relations, relations between Russia and the European Union, especially for Hit.media:

– Critical strikes – a turning point in Russian-American relations. What Syria has seen both sides is the most promising direction of the cooperation, but now the Russian perception of the administration of the trump changes. The United States will be submitted to Russia a greater threat than Obama. These strikes have eliminated those positive features of American foreign policy, which stimulated Russia to improve relations with the United States. First and foremost, this positive factor was the failure of the new administration from the policies of regime change in Syria. Today, trump not only dealt a blow to Syria, but said that returns to our strong policy of overthrowing Assad.

Now the Russian-American relationship will teeter on the brink of direct war. Russia’s refusal of the Memorandum on the prevention of military clashes in Syria is already a step in this direction. Russia makes it clear that if the United States will continue to strike on Syrian territory, the Assad regime, Russia will just shoot down American planes and missiles.

I think that this will not happen, although to balance around that, we will. I think that in the end, the parties shall take any measures which would have prevented direct military confrontation. Moreover, the current Russian-American escalation against Syria will have effect also on other areas is likely to be an escalation of the Ukrainian crisis, where the United States is also noticeable a more assertive stance.

In my opinion, the next few months we will be in the most acute crisis in relations between Russia and the United States since the Cuban nuclear crisis in 1962.

What else to read?

Beware of ghosts!

Мистические знаки и тайны Московского метрополитена

Reading time 6 minutes

[epapop id=’3958′]
[responsivevoice_button voice=”US English Male” buttontext=”Listen the text”]

The Moscow subway is not only the most beautiful in the world, but also the most mysterious. There are a lot of legends about it’s dungeons. We chose the most interesting, mystical and frightening.

«Perovo» Station. Horsemen of the Apocalypse

«Perovo» Station. Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Horsemen of the Apocalypse

The walls of this station are decorated with images of wild and mythical animals. One bas-relief has an image of a lion, erupting flame from it’s chaps. There is an opinion that this is an illustration to the ninth chapter of the «The Apocalypse of John». The lines, which describe the horsemen of the Apocalypse, say: «The heads of horses, like the heads of lions, and fire, smoke and sulfur came out of their mouth… Cause the strength of the horses was in their mouth and their tails, and they harmed people». So some people think that this illustration on the «Perovo» station is nothing more but a prediction of the end of the world.

«Sokol» Station. Ghosts of war and repression’s victims.

«Sokol» Station. Ghosts of war and repression’s victims.
Ghosts of war and repression’s victims

There was a Bratsk cemetery near this station in the XXth century, where victims the First World War were buried. In the days of the early Soviet Union, here was a place to shot unwanted people. Workers of the station say that ghosts are walking here in the morning and at night. The «Sokol» station itself has negative energy. Cases of falling on the rails with deadly art and even suicide are relatively frequent here. People begin to feel anxiety and discomfort at the entrance of the station. Moreover, the photos taken at the station are blurry.

«Dostoevskaya» Station. Revenge of the old woman

«Dostoevskaya» Station. Revenge of the old woman
Revenge of the old woman

This station is decorated with a mosaic-illustration to the immortal work of Fyodor Dostoevsky «Crime and Punishment». The fresco shows the cult scene of the murder. According to the legend, if you look at the image of an old woman for about a minute, then you will be lucky. However, magic always comes with a price. If you ask the old woman «for help» too often, then luck will turn into really bad luck. So be grateful for what you have, or you risk to be left with the broken trough.

Ghost-train on the Koltsevaya Line

Ghost-train on the Koltsevaya Line
Ghost-train

This legend is somewhat similar to the plot of the movie «The Midnight Meat Train». Every month an old train appears on the Line. The driver and passengers are dressed in fashion of 1930-40, their clothes are gray and gloomy. The train goes round all the stations during one night, makes stops, but opens it’s doors very rarely. People say that if you enter this train, you will not get out. It is assumed that the passengers of this train are the undying souls of the dead subway builders. The Koltsevaya Line was built by prisoners who often arranged disassembly and committed suicide by throwing themselves into mines and sealing themselves alive.

«Leninskie Gori» Station. Abandoned gallery

«Leninskie Gori». Abandoned gallery
Abandoned gallery

Until 1983, «Leninskie Gory» station was equipped with a unique escalator gallery. The risk of landslides forced the authorities to close it. Today the escalator gallery is dismantled, the engine room is flooded, walls are covered with cracks. However, this does not affect the demand from fans of extreme and mysticism. Despite the fact that the gallery belongs to the Moscow metro company, its territory is not guarded.

That is what Moscow underground is like. Lovely, exciting and intriguing. Now, when you get of the train, carefully look around — maybe you will be lucky enough to see a ghost or a prediction in the bas-reliefs of the walls.