Ukraine crisis. News in Brief. Friday 03 July [Ukrainian sources]

FRIDAY

Please scroll down to view news items added during the course of the day

News -
4 soldiers injured yesterday, but no deaths.
A large increase in the number of drone flights by Putin's terrorists. 12 yesterday.
Big problem over the law passed yesterday about foreign currency loans.
The Rada voted for banks to cover the costs at a rate of 5 uah to a dollar. (currently about 21).
Most of the banks would simply go bankrupt, I understand.
I have heard that Lutsenko has, or is thinking about resigning over this issue. That would be very sad. But understandable.


Weather -
No rain. And forecast looks like blue sky for the next week. 26 today. 30 or more next week.

Greece -
An excellent article in The Independent this morning
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/greece-debt-crisis-what-happened-to-democracy-when-its-a-case-of-vote-yes-or-else-10362374.html
Yanis Varoufakis (this from a less economic and far more political Greek friend) is the ever-smiling economy minister, a “narcissistic idiot”, a far-too-fond-of-his-own-voice show-off student-academic – that’s why Madame of the IMF wearingly insisted on talking to “adults” in her best civil service voice a few days ago...

Malaysia insists on the creation of the UN tribunal in the case MH17 (RL)
http://www.radiosvoboda.org/content/news/27107453.html
[russia is obviously opposed to this. ]

In the area of ​​ATO three attacks by terrorists at night (Channel 5)
http://www.5.ua/ato-na-shodi/U-zoni-ATO-zafiksovano-try-obstrily-z-boku-terorystiv-za-nich-86104.html

Ambassador of Malaysia to the United Nations Ramlan bin Ibrahim said that the draft statute of the Tribunal will be distributed among the 15 members of the Security Council next week to vote was possible this month. This court under UN auspices "ensure a high level of legitimacy of judicial mechanism in case MH17, to ensure that those responsible will be held accountable", insists Ambassador of Malaysia.
Some diplomats say that Russia calls this proposal premature and insists on waiting for the results of the investigation. Other diplomats say Moscow officially denies alleged ready to consider the idea. Consent Russia on any court under UN auspices will be crucial because it has veto power over Security Council resolutions.

OSCE observers today check fact of demilitarization at Shyrokynoho (Zik.ua)
http://zik.ua/ua/news/2015/07/03/sposterigachi_obsye_sogodni_pereviryat_fakt_demilitaryzatsii_shyrokynogo_604188
[The problem is - they need to stay there.
Then it might work. If the Russians allowed them to stay, of course. Which is almost certainly a "no"]

This from a Russian news source.
But it shows how the Russian media hate for the west has got completely out of control.
These kids have been brainwashed by Kissilev (Rossiya 1), Shaun Walker (Russiaprofile - RIA), and the rest.
===========

In the center of Bratsk on Youth Day teenagers staged competition "Kick Obama " (VIDEO)
http://newsru.com/russia/02jul2015/pni.html
[In one photo a kid gives a nazi salute to Obama. Putin's propaganda is alive and "kicking", both literally and metaphorically! ]

In Poltava started regular hearing of the case Kernes (Gordonua.com)
http://gordonua.com/news/politics/V-Poltave-nachalos-ocherednoe-zasedanie-suda-po-delu-Kernesa-87868.html
[This guy is one bandit. Along with Dobkin.
Reading now that the case has been put off until 15 July]

11:54
"Gazprom" has increased its request for the transit of gas through Ukraine by 4%
http://www.epravda.com.ua/news/2015/07/3/549057/

12:16
Revoke vote for the law on loans impossible - Committee
http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2015/07/3/7073290/
[I understand a law was passed. Some deputies want to withdraw their vote now.
I read that the banks could be liable to pay 200 billion uah.. which I presume would bankrupt them all.
If people took out loans in dollars, why should the banks now have to pay the difference?
Exchange rates go up, and they also go down. ]
[Read this also at the bottom of the article ...]
National Bank of Ukraine strongly urges rejection of the bill.
Deputy head of the parliamentary faction "Block Poroshenko" Igor Kononenko suggested that President Poroshenko not sign this law.

12:59
If the law on foreign currency loans upheld, it would lead to disaster - Ustenko (Segodnya.ua)
http://www.segodnya.ua/economics/enews/esli-zakon-o-valyutnyh-kreditah-ostavyat-v-sile-eto-privedet-k-katastrofe-ustenko-628730.html
If adopted yesterday by the Verkhovna Rada the law on the restructuring of foreign currency loans upheld, it would lead to disaster. This opinion was expressed in the comments Segodnya.ua executive director of the IMF Oleg Ustenko.
"I hope that this law will not be signed by the president. But if we assume that this law will remain in force suddenly and act, the consequences will be catastrophic. We must be sure that the collapse of the banking system, ...
In addition, the expert noted that the maintenance in force of the law will put an end to cooperation with the IMF.
"The second point. You have to understand that if the law begins to really work, you can bury the idea of ​​cooperation with the International Monetary Fund. The Fund. Who promised to work even if Ukraine will default, obviously will not work with a country that suddenly began to live just obvious populism.

[Reading a bit more...]
Recall, July 2, the Verkhovna Rada has allowed the forced conversion of foreign currency loans to citizens at the rate - UAH 5.05 per US dollar. For the corresponding bill №1558-1 third reading vote 229 deputies in the 226 minimum required.
....
"If all the loans granted to individuals resident in foreign currency to convert into hryvnia at the rate of 5.05 UAH / $ 1, the banking system will suffer losses amounting to about 100 billion Uah," - said the NBU.

[Well - I read 200 billion yesterday. But what's 100 billion between friends?
So - the people with loans will be ecstatic, but people with bank accounts will lose everything.
madness - only from the Ukrainian Rada.
Which is the biggest group of voters? Those with loans in dollars, and euros, or those with bank accounts? ]

13:27
Kravchuk advised Poroshenko to talk more with Putin (Commander)
http://glavcom.ua/news/306216.html
[What a joker!
The first "president" who lead the country on the journey to corruption and Russian rule...
Putin only deals in blackmail. Nothing more, nothing less.
Poroshenko must only talk to this scumball with educated intelligent European politicians present.
Not corrupt scum like Kravchuk. ]

I've heard that Lutsenko may have resigned as leader of the coalition over the foreign loans thing.
But I can't find anything in print yet.

13:57
Department of Border Guard "Stanichno Luhansk" came under mortar attack (acute)
http://www.ostro.org/lugansk/society/news/474359/

15:02
Poroshenko said that Ukraine is ready to apply for membership in the EU (Columnist)
http://obozrevatel.com/politics/32057-poroshenko-rasskazal-kogda-ukraina-budet-gotova-podat-zayavku-na-chlenstvo-v-es.htm
[not if the foreign currency law makes the banks go kaput - bankrupt.
I read that Lutsenko did resign on Facebook! But then colleages asked him to reconsider...
Not sure what is going to happen with that crazy law.
Lutsenko said it would benefit perhaps 12000 people, and 40 million would suffer. He is right.
But the 12,000 are very vocal, and that's what your average Rada deputy listens to. Populism... ]

15:14
The Russian military has occupied the territory of high school in Lugansk (Hvilya)
http://hvylya.net/news/digest/rossiyskie-voennyie-zanyali-territoriyu-vuza-v-luganske.html
[I suppose the theory is less school for the locals, and brainwashing by the Shaun Walker RIA, RT media is more likely to succeed.]

15:11
The Interior Ministry explained why the militants withdrew from Shirokino (Charter'97)
http://www.charter97.org/ru/news/2015/7/3/158255/
"The retreat of militants from Shirokino likely to have a temporary tactical purpose. Firstly, regrouping and recreation opportunities for Russian mercenaries, who in recent months have suffered in the area of ​​the locality significant losses in manpower and equipment.
[You might have seen the video - from Avoz - that I posted yesterday, where they seemed to be targetted by their own troops. Wierd...
Even the Avoz soldiers couldn't understand what was going on. ]

Nelson (Editor) wrote:I've heard that Lutsenko may have resigned as leader of the coalition over the foreign loans thing.
But I can't find anything in print yet.

July 3, 2015, 11:38 a.m

MP Yuriy Lutsenko has handed in his resignation as leader of the Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction in the Ukrainian parliament (Verkhovna Rada), Lutsenko's spokeswoman Larysa Sarhan has announced.

kyivpost.com

Ukraine Security Service sent a memo to Washington, saying five Russian army generals are in command of the rebel forces in Donbas, Gazeta.ru reports July 3.

The memo, published by Bloomberg, says there are 9,000 regular Russian troops in Donbas.

The memo also points to a large number of Russian army tanks, APCs, Grad missile systems and artillery.

The Ukrainian government has repeatedly accused Moscow of moving its forces to Donbas. Pres Putin, however, refused point blank to admit their presence in Ukraine calling them Russian servicemen who went to Donbas “on their own will while on vacation.”

zik.ua

SBU jointly with the police detained an acting the head of a district administration and a chairman of the village council in the Odesa region.

This is reported by Censor.NET citing the press center of the SBU.

According to the report, the officials systematically demanded bribes for decisions to lease real estate with subsequent registration of purchase option.

See more: Head of Kryvyi Rih District Council detained for bribery - interior Minister. PHOTOS
In particular, the criminals estimated their corruption services in leasing one of the floors of a consumer services center and a school building with the right to repurchase at 400,000 hryvnia.

The officials were detained upon receipt of the 80,000 hryvnia bribe.

censor.net.ua: In Russian

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has strongly criticized the pro-Russian militants’ plans of holding "local elections" in the Donbas.

Censor.NET reports citing Deutsche Welle.

Read more: US condemns intention of separatists to hold "local elections" in Donbas, - Biden
Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that the action that was being prepared as the local elections could not be referred to as elections with regard to the terms of the Minsk agreement.

The representatives of the "DPR" and "LPR" militants earlier expressed the desire to hold "local elections" in the territories controlled by the terrorists October 18. It's a week before the local elections to be held in the rest of Ukraine.

It should be reminded that President Poroshenko has also strongly criticized the statements made by the militants and stressed that the holding of elections on October 18 would be a violation of Minsk agreements.

censor.net.ua: In Russian

The observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Initiatives and Human Rights (ODIHR) can not monitor local elections in the territory of Ukraine without an invitation and appropriate mandate from the Ukrainian authorities.

ODIHR spokesman Thomas Rymer said this to an Ukrinform correspondent in Poland.

"We act in accordance with certain procedures and can observe the elections only if we are invited by the Ukrainian central government. If we receive an invitation from the Ukrainian authorities to monitor the local elections, then we will do that. We do not have the mandate to monitor the elections without the invitation of the Ukrainian authorities," Rymer said................

Read further at link: time-ua.com

Ukraine finally took the right direction in gas talks with Russia by ejecting the conditions of the Gazprom and suspending purchases of Russian gas. Our country will still have some gas available, while the question of filling our gas storage facilities for the winter period lies solely in the framework of relations between Moscow and Brussels, experts say.

The last round of gas talks held in Vienna in the already traditional trilateral EU-Ukraine-Russia format saw no result - a compromise has not been reached. Such an outcome of the tripartite meeting was actually expected by many. All the statements ahead of the talks by the Russian leadership - the president and the prime minister, but not by the Gazprom top managers, indicated that the dialogue would be built not on an economic but on a political basis. As before, the Kremlin continues using its energy tools to exert pressure on Ukraine, considering that this puts our country in a desperate situation and compromises us in the eyes of the European community. Russia does not want to understand that the situation has changed dramatically and now, Ukraine can meet all the Kremlin’s challenges. This is exactly what happened.

Ukraine rejected Russia’s conditions - the $ 40 discount for the third quarter down to the price of $ 247 per 1,000 cubic meters, that is, the same cost as in the second quarter. Our country insists on a discount no less than 30% of the contractual gas price and also on the resolution of all arguments before the end of the first quarter of 2016, ahead of the conclusions by the Stockholm arbitration court on the claims of both parties.

Therefore, the Naftogaz has suspended purchases of gas from the Gazprom from July 1, as the additional agreement on a so-called "winter package" has ceased to have effect on June 30. Transportation of natural gas to European consumers will be implemented in full and in accordance with the contractual terms.

"Effective solution of the gas issues with Russia should be trilateral and binding,” said the Naftogaz officials.

Russia refused to sign a trilateral protocol drafted on the principle of the "winter package", drawn up in Brussels in October 2014, which has proved being effective in ensuring the stability of Russian gas supplies throughout the 2014-2015 heating season.

But the very next day following the negotiations, on July 1, Russia decided to increase the pressure on the out-of-control Ukraine...............

economics.unian.net: In Ukrainian

regarding the post above about Russian generals commanding the forces inside Ukraine,
==============

Who Are The Russian Generals That Ukraine Says Are Fighting In The Donbas? [in English]
http://www.rferl.org/content/russian-generals-fighting-in-ukraine/27108296.html
by "embedding their senior officers," the Russians are solidifying control over the separatist portions of Ukraine.
"Somewhere in Moscow they have made the decision this will be a long-term frozen conflict," ..
...Major General Oleg Tsekov
Tsekov graduated from a military institute in Chelyabinsk in 1988. He then served in various parts of the Soviet Union and Mongolia...
The latest SBU dossier charges that Tsekov commands the so-called 2nd brigade of the separatist forces near Donetsk...
Major General Valery Solodchuk
Born in Astrakhan, Solodchuk graduated from the paratroops institute in Ryazan in 1992....
The SBU dossier charges that Solodchuk is the commander of so-called 1st Army Corps of Novorossia in the Donetsk area....

Russian Politicians Launch Witch-Hunt Against Founder of The Moscow Times [in English]
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russian-politicians-launch-witch-hunt-against-founder-of-the-moscow-times/524988.html
Derk Sauer, the Dutchman who founded The Moscow Times in 1992, should be forced to leave his current job as president of the RBC news agency, a nationalist firebrand Russian politician was quoted as saying Friday.
[Russia more and more like nazi-Germany. ]

20:47
Netherlands - for the creation of the UN tribunal in the case of Boeing (Hronika.info)
http://hronika.info/obwestvo/67991-niderlandy-za-sozdanie-tribunala-oon-po-delu-boinga.html
The appeal will be submitted to the UN Security Council. Russia opposed....
"Justice for the sake of the victims of this disaster from the very beginning has been a priority for us. Now we are asking the United Nations to support the establishment of an international tribunal," - said Rutte. According to him, with this request the Netherlands has asked the UN Security Council.
Russia, which has veto power in the UN Security Council
[And if Russia blocks justice? Then what? ]

20:57
The Security Council of the Russian Federation want occupied Donbass to be in Ukraine, and warned that the war could take a long time (FaceNews.UA)
http://www.facenews.ua/news/2015/284026/
According to him, it was the US who initiated a coup in Ukraine, and they also have to be interested in the normalization of the situation there. He added that if the US does not want this, that "the situation drags on for a long time."
[Not easy to translate.
Complete Russian garbage also. For domestic consumption, one assumes. ]

20:59
95 billion Uah loss due to [the Rada] "credit" law [for banks] - is only "direct" loss - Danyluk (Channel 5)
http://www.5.ua/ekonomika/95-mlrd-hrn-vtrat-vid-kredytnoho-zakonu--tse-lyshe-priami-vtraty--Danyliuk-86229.html
[Ukraine could turn into Greece if this law isn't reversed. The banks would simply go bankrupt.
I watched a couple of news items about this on the tv... The stupid deputies were saying... there were lots of people protesting, and we were pressured into this.
And now they want Poroshenko to stop it! So - Poroshenko has to take the blame? Gross stupidity.
The Ukrainian Rada is back to its old stupid ways.
What tomorrow? Double pensions? - the banks will pay, of course... or rather the IMF - except they won't... ]

The OSCE confirmed the withdrawal of [Russian] separatists from Shyrokynoho (UNN)
http://www.unn.com.ua/uk/news/1479148-v-obsye-pidtverdili-vidkhid-boyovikiv-z-shirokinogo
[Now - is Ukraine also expected to withdraw? I hope not.
Putin would simply occupy the whole town if Ukraine withdrew. The Russians always lie about everything.
That has been proved over and over again. ]

21:12
Vote for foreign currency loans - "populism and irresponsibility of MPs" - Shymkiv (RL)
http://www.radiosvoboda.org/content/article/27108668.html

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he believes those who initiated sanctions against Russia are responsible for the conflict in Ukraine.

He said this speaking at a meeting of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Censor.NET reports citing Interfax.

"Those who imposed these restrictive measures with regard to Russia, the so-called sanctions, in fact, they are the originators of all the events we have witnessed in the south-east of Ukraine," Putin said.
According to him, "no one even tries to analyze the causes" of what is happening in the Donbas, "what started all the trouble."

"Of course, we need to give appropriate response to everything, to take additional systemic measures in all key areas," Putin said.

See more: "Donetsk Corps" of the Russian Army: Uncovering Russian occupiers who disguise as "mercenaries". PHOTOS

As reported earlier, President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz called on Russia to withdraw its troops from the Ukrainian territory and noted that the EU will not abandon the policy of sanctions as long the Russian aggression against Ukraine continue.

censor.net.ua: In Russian

What a jackass this little dwarf is. Sanctions were placed after the invasion. Sanctions were inposed before the invasion.

50,000 Russian troops and 30,000 militants in Donbas

More than 50,000 Russian troops and over 30,000 militants are concentrated along the Ukrainian border and in eastern Ukraine, the press officer of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Dmytro Hutsuliak said at a briefing on Friday, according to Ukrainian news agency UNIAN.

The announcenment came days after a drone video was published online appearing to show a large Russian military camp deep inside Ukraine's Donbas region. The video shows T-72 tanks, construction equipment and tents, and notes that activity has increased in the last month.

24today.net/VIDEO DRONE

The inhabitants of the Crimea, who moved to mainland Ukraine after the occupation of the peninsula, receive a pension. About this in an interview with "Commander in Chief," said the head of the Pension Fund of Ukraine Oleksiy Zarudny.

"Only 2.5 thousand people only receives a pension in Ukraine. They are the ones who have moved, "- said Zarudny.

According to him, during the planning of the budget of the Pension Fund Ukrainian pensioners accounted for all: as those that live in the territory controlled by Ukraine, as well as those who are in the "DNR" and "LC".

"In general, we can say that we have all these costs when we planned the budget of the Pension Fund pledged to all pensioners, that is - and controlled, and uncontrolled territories. So when people come, there is no problem to pay their debts, "- he added.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

"DNI", "LC" are sent to the Pension Fund of Ukraine the so-called official letter with an appeal not to pay a pension to certain people because they allegedly receive from their republics. About this in an interview with "Commander in Chief," said the head of the Pension Fund of Ukraine Oleksiy Zarudny.

According Zarudny, the Pension Fund did not react to them. In addition, the payment of one-off cash payments to residents of Donbass, which is carried out "DNR" and "LC" will not affect their pension Ukrainian.

"The fact that there handing out any money, not legally no pension. Because of pensions can not be where there is no such state, there are no subjects that the pension paid, and for good reason, "DNR" and "LC" is written in quotation marks. What are they who give out? This does not affect the Ukrainian retired "- he said.

Such letters, according to the head of PFCs, are sent to depict the activities of the so-called pension funds, self-proclaimed republics.



"They have something to try to" represent "supposedly there is the pension system, ostensibly there is some order in benefits allegedly registered people and so on. But it's far from reality. There is Ukraine, and when we see a person who needs a pension, are willing to work with her and to make these payments, "- he added.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

The occupation authorities of Sevastopol say that the probability of de-energizing the city is saved. It is reported by the press service of the "government" of Sevastopol, writes Krym.Realii

"On the night of July blackout on the territory of Sevastopol did not happen, but the probability of de-energizing the city is saved. Therefore, the governor of Sevastopol Sergey Menyailo instructed all specialized structures to monitor the full readiness of Sevastopol diesel generators in case of partial or total power failure, "- he said.

According to Chief of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia in Sevastopol Sergei Klimenko, providing all the services of city life are in full readiness to stabilize the situation in the city in case of disconnection from the power supply of the city.

Recall "Ukrenergo" reported Russia plans to cease the supply of electricity from the grid of Ukraine in Crimea on July 1.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal case on the fact of expulsion from Ukraine of the First Channel journalist Alexandra Tcherepnin.

This is stated in a message on the site committee.

The case was initiated under two articles - the "illegal detention group of persons by prior conspiracy" and "impeding the lawful professional activities of journalists, committed by a person using his official position."

According to the Head of the Main Investigation Department of Insurance Vladimir Markin, "forcible detention and deportation due only to the fact that a Russian journalist to write and speak the truth about the events taking place in modern Ukraine, so it does not like the current government."

"Today, Ukraine is a unique country, not only in Europe, but perhaps in the whole world where kidnapping, rape, deportation and murder of journalists literally put on stream. I would call this process "Bandera sterilization journalism" - the official said.

As you know, Tcherepnin was detained by the SBU and expelled from Ukraine on Wednesday. She is charged with anti-Ukrainian activities and staged scenes shot on the situation in Ukraine.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

They must be highly pissed that their propaganda machine in Ukraine nearly nullified. Of course, this is another example of them coming out with the most hilarious lines I've ever seen a government use. The entire globe laughs at their attempts, which in turn they've lost all legitimacy. No longer are they taken seriously.

Next line, they'll come out and say that Obama also had a night with Lewinsky at the White House. Bad thing is, his supporters will believe him.

Head of the faction "Block Poroshenko" Yuriy Lutsenko proposes to extend the law on the special status, giving the right to a special regime of economic activities of the occupied part of the Donbass.

Thus he wrote on his page to Facebook.

"We are talking about the transition to the demarcation line with the regime of economic quarantine. We will buy, if necessary, coal and metal, and they will dispose of their earnings. They said that Ukraine Donbass feeds? Now feed themselves. And also otstroyte not all destroyed by Kiev, and with the proceeds of those who started the war, "- wrote the policy.

In his opinion, such an approach is "Putin's plan breaks that wants to continue to deplete the Ukrainian state budget problems ruined his Donetsk, Lugansk, Makeyevka and Gorlovka."

"Quarantine will quickly show who is xy. You can not pay the salaries of teachers, doctors and pensions? You can not repair the housing stock? You can not pay for the consumed gas, water and heat? Then, collect weapons and do not interfere regain control of the Ukrainian section of the Russian border, to enter the Ukrainian law enforcement and other government agencies. Only in this way under the yellow-blue flag back to normal status, Donetsk and Lugansk regions, "- he said.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

Permits to sell their products in the European Union hope to get five Ukrainian dairy companies, Economy and Trade Minister Aivaras Ambromavichus said, Interfax-Ukrayina reports July 3.

The minister did not specify which businesses are involved.

Ukraine exports chicken meat, eggs, honey and grain to the EU, the minister says.

Earlier, the European Commission proposed that Ukraine dairy companies enter EU markets.

zik.ua

Opposite of what Putin wants Ukraine to do, and that is to succeed instead of bowing to them.

SBU detained a Cherkassy region resident, who fought on the side of the "DPR" terrorists in "First slavic brigade" illegal armed formation.

This is reported by Censor.NET citing the press center of the SBU.

According to the report, 48-year-old resident of Krasnaia Sloboda arrived in Donetsk, where he referred to the so-called "military commissariat," which hires mercenaries. For his participation in terrorist activities, he was promised $360 a month. The detainee received weapons and went to the militants servicing BM-21 Grad rocket launchers.



The mercenary was detained by the SBU, when he came home on leave. The perpetrator was informed of suspicion under Art. 258-3 (terrorism) of the Criminal Code and was detained.

Another militant who joined the "DPR" terrorists due to mercenary motives, was detained by the SBU in Sviatohorsk of the Donetsk region. In addition to combat missions, the mercenary frequently traveled to the Kharkiv region, where he tried to recruit locals. Then he fled to Russia.

The SBU detained the criminal upon his return home from Russia.

censor.net.ua: In Russian

Chairman of the Odessa Regional State Administration Mikheil Saakashvili heard the evening of July 3 reports of the heads of Internal Audit and the Office of the interaction with law enforcement, prevention and detection of corruption - and decided to dissolve both units due to inefficiency. He stated this on the basis of reports on the work of the heads of departments in the first half of this year, according to "Ukrinform" .

"The report provides no evidence of violations. For example, in the work of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources revealed only minor violations. Meanwhile, investors with whom I recently spoke, complaining about the environmental department. We are talking about $ 880 million of investments in Odessa. We're not talking about the beach, and the place in the inner part of the city ... They do not give permission and transparently hinted at a bribe. And can not be approved without any explanation for a long time ", - Saakashvili said.

According to him, "people also complain every day that the Center administrative services must be paid for each certificate. We are talking today about the crash administrative services. Everyone knows about the extent of corruption, but no one was detained. It turns out that nobody did anything contrary to the laws. "

Chairman of Regional State Administration noted that he considers it appropriate to dismiss employees in both departments for inaction. "People complain about the bribes and extortions, and you are all clean, no one punished. We will rely on the public, find experienced auditors, accountants and other professionals who will be engaged in these issues, instead of unscrupulous officials ", - said chairman of the State Administration.

Saakashvili added that he will "funds for the implementation of such a project. Provided the necessary powers, a public committee to inspect the work of structural subdivisions of RSA, as well as the organization of electronic tenders. Next week will offer the inhabitants of Odessa to name these people. Create a committee of 10 people who will be engaged in monitoring and auditing ", - Saakashvili concluded.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

International rating agency Fitch confirmed the rating of Russia to investment grade BBB- with a negative outlook. This was reported on the agency's website.

«Fitch expects the decline of the Russian economy in 2015 by 3.5%, after in 2014 it struck several blows: the fall in oil prices, the devaluation of the ruble and the US sanctions and the EU because of the conflict in Ukraine", - It said in a statement.

Earlier, Russia entered the list of the weakest economies in the world according to the forecast of economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has expressed willingness to invest in the Ukrainian economy $ 1 billion subject to Kiev reforms. Reuters reported with reference to the EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti.

"We are focused on (investment) of approximately $ 1 billion <...> but it totally depends on the implementation of reforms, therefore, may be less," - said the head of the bank, and stressed that the investment will affect the energy, banking and judicial sectors.

According to the media, representatives of the Bank in the near future to discuss with representatives of the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy Lending gas supplies.

Earlier, the EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti said that cooperation with Ukraine is important for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

"Ukraine faces difficult challenges," - he said, and noted the effectiveness of the Ukrainian government. EBRD President noted the importance of coordination to determine what it needs to support Ukraine.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

Ukrainian company in July of this year, will be able to export free of duty in the United States about 5000 names of their products due to the action of a special government program of the General System of Preferences. About єtom the press service of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine.

Duration of the program - up to 31 December 2017.

"The program for the most common industrial goods - chemicals, minerals and building stone, jewelry, various types of rugs and carpets, agriculture and fishing", - the press service quoted the deputy minister of Ministry - Trade Representative of Ukraine Natalia Mykolskiy.

In turn, the Ukrainian side in the program must fulfill a number of conditions, in particular, to effectively protect intellectual property rights and labor rights, comply with the rules of origin of goods.

Recall, the European Union last year granted trade preferences to Ukraine until the end of 2015.

glavcom.ua: In Russian

"Elections" in the Donbass, which are prepared to hold militants October 18 do not correspond to the Minsk Agreement.

Stated German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday to journalists after a meeting with Czech counterpart Lubomir Zaoralek.

"That which is now being prepared both for the local elections - it's not the elections that are supposed Minsk Agreement, they can not replace them," - said the head of the German Foreign Ministry.

He also added that "we are not so far advanced to undertake the arrangements provided Minsk local elections later this year."

The head of the German Foreign Ministry said that until the full implementation of the Minsk agreement still very far away.

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