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CV-RU:160521:(31-MAY-16):Russia and the Vatican: Why the Holy See Seeks Cooperation With Moscow
UK-EU:160522:(31-MAY-16):Trade wars: memo shows EU is costing UK billions
IS:160522:(31-MAY-16):Israel's government approves Leviathan natural gas deal -official
EGR:160522:(31-MAY-16):Greece: Parliament Passes New Budget Cuts, Tax Increases
IS-MLE:160523:(31-MAY-16):New Watchtowers on Border Between Israel and Lebanon
IS-NAC:160523:(31-MAY-16):Israel And Canada Increase Technology Cooperation – Countries To Double Funding For Joint R&D
MEG-US:160523:(31-MAY-16):Egypt's military cooperation with US continues to move forward
RU:160524:(31-MAY-16):Russia: Eurobond Purchases Higher Than Expected
EU-UK:160526:(31-MAY-16):Europe is reducing soldiers to 'civilians in uniform', General warns
IS:160525:(31-MAY-16):Agreement on New Israeli Government
EGR:160525:(31-MAY-16):Greece: Breakthrough Deal Reached With Creditors
NATO-RU:160525:(31-MAY-16):NATO defends largest buildup in years near Russia's borders
IS:160525:(31-MAY-16):Actually, Avigdor Lieberman Is Just What Israel Needs Right Now
RU-IS:160525:(31-MAY-16):Russia’s Gazprom No Longer Interested in Israeli Gas Field Development
IS-MJO:160525:(31-MAY-16):Israel-Jordan gas agreement moves closer
RU-EFR:160526:(31-MAY-16):Putin says Russia, France reactivate economic cooperation mechanisms
RU:160527:(31-MAY-16):Russia: Government Plans To Extend Food Imports Embargo
RU-MED:160527:(31-MAY-16):Russia's emerging naval presence in the Mediterranean
EGE:160527:(31-MAY-16):Is Germany Heading for Economic Crisis?
RU-EGE:160527:(31-MAY-16):German Foreign Minister Steinmeier says extending Russia sanctions more difficult
RU-EU:160526:(31-MAY-16):Russia's Gazprom sees record 2016 gas exports to Europe
EGR-RU:160527:(31-MAY-16):Greece and Russia to Sign New Oil Supply Deal
EU-UK:160527:(31-MAY-16):EU leaders are planning a post-Brexit future without the UK
RU-EU:160528:(31-MAY-16):Putin: Romania ‘in crosshairs’ after opening NATO missile defense base
RU-MIN:160529:(31-MAY-16):Russia Said To Suspend S-300 To Iran
TIS:160529:(31-MAY-16):ISIS Revenue Down 23%; Policies Change to Compensate
IS:160529:(31-MAY-16):Leviathan partners sign $3 bln Israeli natgas supply deal
TU-MPA-IS:160529:(31-MAY-16):Turks and Palestinians Look for Ways to Supplant Israeli Exports
RU-EU:160530:(31-MAY-16):Juncker to visit Putin in June on background of Russia sanctions
RU-IS:160530:(31-MAY-16):Russia's Friend at Court in Israel
CV-CR:160530:(31-MAY-16):Russian Orthodox Church welcomes new papal envoy to Moscow
RU-EGR:160529:(31-MAY-16):Putin visits Russian Orthodox monastic community in Greece
RU-EGR:160528:(31-MAY-16):Russian Tourist Numbers to Greece Up More Than 500 Percent
IS-MEPT:160531:(31-MAY-16):Netanyahu Ready to Discuss Arab Peace Initiative
EGR-EU:160531:(31-MAY-16):Greece: Minister Says Country Cannot Perform Additional Obligations For Loans
RU:160530:(31-MAY-16):Russia To Spend More Than $16 Billion On Arms Industry
UK-EU:160529:(31-MAY-16):The battle for Brexit
CV-RU:160521:(31-MAY-16):Russia and the Vatican: Why the Holy See Seeks Cooperation With Moscow
Sputnik 21-May-16
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Moscow and the Holy See are working together on the issue of moral values and persecuted Christians. This cooperation is beneficial for both parties, from a diplomatic and political viewpoint, the French newspaper Le Figaro wrote.
According to Le Figaro, since the end of the Cold War, the Vatican has always been willing to hold a dialogue with Moscow.
"Russia has become one of the centers of a new polycentric world order, an empire in the process of establishment, which one should offer one's hand," political expert Canstance Colonna-Cesari said cited by the newspaper.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the relations between Moscow and the Vatican were characterized by significant tensions. However, over the past few years ties between Russia and the Holy See have strengthened, especially after Vladimir Putin's conversation with Pope Francis in November 2013, and the historical meeting of Pope Francis with Patriarch Kirill in Havana in February 2016.
On February 12, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia met Pope Francis at an airport in Havana, Cuba, where they signed a joint declaration. It was the first time that Catholic and Russian Orthodox spiritual leaders held face-to-face talks since Christianity split into western and eastern branches in 1054.
Restoring ties with the Vatican, representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church speak about strategic alliance with the Catholic Church aimed at defending "traditional Christian values." In their joint declaration, the leaders of the two churches urged to protect the persecution of Christians in the Middle East and called on the international community to take action in this direction.
According to the expert, the Vatican is interested in rapprochement with Russia for several reasons. First of all, one needs to come to terms with Russia as it is a strong energy and military power, which at the same time is restoring its status as a world power, getting more and more oriented to the east and adheres to Orthodox values.
On the other hand, there is a diplomatic reason behind the Vatican's desire to cooperate with Moscow: a possibility to enhance its involvement in Syria thanks to Vladimir Putin's good relationship with Damascus as well as Russia's ability to veto any decision of the UN Security Council with regard to the Syrian crisis.
According to the newspaper, the alliance also has its political relevance for Moscow, especially taking into account the close connection between the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church, the newspaper wrote.
"Relations with the Holy See are intertwined with the main goal of Putin's foreign policy: to return the status of a super power," the newspaper wrote.
"The situation in the Middle East gives Putin an opportunity to emphasize Russia's role in the international arena and present himself as a defender of eastern Christians in the spirit of Catherine the Great," it continued, citing political expert Yves Hamant.
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UK-EU:160522:(31-MAY-16):Trade wars: memo shows EU is costing UK billions
Daily Telegraph 22-May-16
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David Cameron claims that the power of Brussels to negotiate these free-trade agreements is a critical reason why Britain must not leave the EU
A secret government memo today reveals how a trade war between European Union countries is damaging the British economy.
The damning Whitehall assessment – seen by the Telegraph – has found that France and other EU countries are hampering new “free-trade” deals because they want to protect their farmers from the extra competition.
David Cameron claims that the power of Brussels to negotiate these free-trade agreements with parts of the world such as the United States is a critical reason why Britain must not leave the EU.
But the memorandum suggests that Britain is losing out on £2.5 billion a year in potential trade as a result of the ongoing delays to a proposed deal between the EU and Latin America.
Under EU treaties, the UK cannot negotiate its own trade arrangements and has to wait until Brussels reaches agreements that are acceptable to all 28 member states, a process that often takes years to complete.
Details of the internal government document, written earlier this year, have come to light at a critical time in the referendum contest, as rival ministers clash in an increasingly bitter campaign over Britain’s future in Europe.
Dominic Raab, the justice minister who is campaigning to leave the EU at next month’s referendum, said: “The raw truth is that the EU hates genuinely free trade. That holds Britain back, costs us jobs, and keeps prices on the high street artificially high.”
Meanwhile, on the other side of the debate, Patrick McLoughlin, the Transport Secretary, warned that the long-term future of Britain’s car industry – which employs 200,000 people – would be put at risk by a vote for so-called Brexit.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Mr McLoughlin said he feared global motor manufacturers such as Toyota and Nissan would choose to open new factories in rival countries if Britain pulled out of the EU’s single market trade zone, with its 500 million consumers.
There is “an unknown risk” that the “long-term future” of the UK’s highly successful motor industry could fall into decline, as happened with coal mining, he said.
Mr Cameron and other EU leaders, such as Germany’s Angela Merkel, are pushing for a range of new trade deals between Europe and other world trading blocs, including Latin America, Japan, Australia, and the United States.
George Osborne, the Chancellor, has warned that leaving the EU’s single market free-trade zone would be “catastrophic” for the British economy.
The secret Whitehall briefing found that one key initiative for a sweeping new “free-trade agreement” between Europe and five South American countries has run into trouble amid opposition from other EU countries.
The private memorandum was prepared for ministers ahead of the EU’s latest round of trade talks with Latin America. It said that 14 member states – half of the EU’s 28 members – are trying to limit the agreement because they fear their farmers will suffer from the increased competition.
"“The EU’s record at putting free trade deals in place is weak and getting worse.”"Andrea Leadsom, the pro-Brexit energy minister
These EU countries want to stop cheaper imports of beef and other farm products being allowed into the Europe from rivals including Brazil and Argentina.
Crucially, the Whitehall assessment said this kind of opposition to free-trade deals is growing across Europe.
It could even affect plans for a high-profile transatlantic trade deal between the EU and the United States, the report said.
It warned that France and other countries have been trying to water down the proposed agreement between Europe and five South American countries, the so-called “Mercosur” group – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
The Government believes this deal would generate £2.5 billion a year for Britain by reducing tariffs and reforming quotas to open up trade between Europe and Latin America in beef, chicken, plant-based fuels, cars, medical drugs, and services such as banking.
Andrea Leadsom, the pro-Brexit energy minister, said: “The EU’s record at putting free trade deals in place is weak and getting worse.”
Priti Patel, the employment minister, said EU membership meant the British economy was being “tied to a sinking ship”.
She said: “Being a member of the EU has rendered us powerless to reach our own trade deals and these missed trading opportunities are costing our economy money, jobs and growth.”
A No 10 source said: “Independent experts … have warned that Britain will be rocked by a massive economic shock and risks recession if we take a leap in the dark and leave the EU. British businesses get huge benefits from having access to the EU single market of 500million people – three million jobs are linked to the EU. On top of that, firms across the UK can take advantage of the EU’s trade deals with more than 50 countries around the world – and we would lose access to every single one of those deals if we leave, doing even more damage to our economy.”
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IS:160522:(31-MAY-16):Israel's government approves Leviathan natural gas deal -official
Reuters 22-May-16
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Israel approved on Sunday a deal meant to fast-track the development of the huge offshore natural gas field Leviathan, an Energy Ministry spokeswoman said.
Israel's energy minister said on Wednesday he reached a deal with Texas-based Noble Energy and Israel's Delek Group that will allow the firms to move forward with the field's development, hopefully bringing it online by the end of 2019.
A ministry spokeswoman said the deal was approved at a weekly cabinet meeting.
A previous agreement was struck down by Israel's Supreme Court, and the government hopes that new phrasing, which gives the state more leeway in handling future regulation, will stave off another court objection.
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EGR:160522:(31-MAY-16):Greece: Parliament Passes New Budget Cuts, Tax Increases
Stratfor 22-May-16
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The Greek parliament passed new budget cuts and tax rises May 22, BBC reported. The government led by the leftist Syriza coalition passed the bill by 153 votes to 145. The legislation comes two days before a eurozone meeting in Brussels, which is expected to unblock much-needed bailout funds. The bill creates a state privatization fund requested by its eurozone finance ministers, as well as a contingency mechanism that will trigger automatic spending cuts if the country fails to meet the targets of the bailout deal agreed to last year. Earlier this month, parliament approved reforms of the pension and income tax system. The legislation also comes ahead of a sizeable debt payment due in July. Demonstrators gathered outside parliament in in Athens to protest against the law.
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IS-MLE:160523:(31-MAY-16):New Watchtowers on Border Between Israel and Lebanon
Media Line MidEast Daily News 23-May-16
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Israelis living on the northern border with Lebanon say the Lebanese Army has built a series of new watchtowers over the past month that allow them to see into Israeli military bases, the border fence, patrol road and civilian enclaves, according to Ynet News. The watchtowers are currently being manned by soldiers from the Lebanese Army, but residents fear that in a conflict with Israel, Hizbullah could take over the watchtowers. Residents say the towers have gone up almost overnight and from one place, Kibbutz Admit, there are three towers within sight. An Israeli military spokesman said the army is following the developments and there has been no change in the security situation. According to a United Nations resolution, the areas where the watchtowers were built is supposed to be a demilitarized area, meaning that the towers should not have any weapons in there. Israel says that Hizbullah, with which Israel fought a cross-border war in 2006, has 100,000 rockets that can reach all parts of Israel. At the same time, Israel’s assessment is that Hizbullah is not interested in a war with Israel at the current time. After the recent assassination of a Hizbullah leader, the group made clear that they did not believe Israel is responsible. The Shi’ite militant group has been fighting in Lebanon alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebel groups such as the al-Nusra Front and Islamic State.
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IS-NAC:160523:(31-MAY-16):Israel And Canada Increase Technology Cooperation – Countries To Double Funding For Joint R&D
Israeli Science Info 23-May-16
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The success stories behind Israeli hi-tech companies greatly contribute to helping establish extensive technological cooperation between Israel and countries around the world. One such collaboration growing stronger year by year is that between Israel and the Canadian Province of Ontario. Cooperation between the two states has been ongoing for more than a decade and their joint R&D program has already yielded impressive technological achievements – for both the countries and their companies. Today, representatives of Israel and Ontario will sign an agreement to increase the joint funding they offer to companies at a value of $2 million annually, and to budget an extra $5 million a year for cooperation between Israeli and Canadian industries and universities.
The signing of the expanded agreement is taking place within the framework of an official visit by the Premier of the Province of Ontario. She arrived in Israel with the largest official tech delegation ever to come from Canada, including 180 businesspeople, heads of organizations, industrialists and researchers from Canada's finest universities, seeking to do business with Israeli companies and entrepreneurs. Half of the members of the delegation are businesspeople focusing on manufacturing and promoting technological opportunities between the two countries.
According to the Chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority, Mr. Avi Hasson: "Canada is a wonderful option for any Israeli company interested in establishing its presence in North America. The Canadians see Israel as a significant hub of innovation and they are here to forge new collaborative relationships in several technological fields, including cleantech, biotech, med-tech and medical devices, IT, cyber-security, energy and e-Health, projects that can benefit both sides."
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MEG-US:160523:(31-MAY-16):Egypt's military cooperation with US continues to move forward
Ahram online 23-May-16
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The delivery of MRAPs to Egypt is part of the continuing strong relationship between the US and Egypt, says Major General Charles Hooper, the US embassy’s senior defence official in Cairo
On 12 May Egypt received the first shipment of armoured vehicles from the US. The US Embassy in Cairo featured an article on its official website on the details of the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, designed to protect soldiers from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), landmines and other forms of attacks.