Since the annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of the military conflict in eastern Ukraine, the security situation in the Baltic States has become a hot issue. Regular violations of national airspace, increased military trainings and bold political statements illustrate the rising tensions. In this context, it has been argued by some that ‘the Russians are coming’ whereas others believe that the idea of a Russian invasion in the Baltics is an absurdity. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Kremlin Chief of Staff Sergei Ivanov described the perceived threat of a Russian intervention as ‘raving nonsense’ and the result of ‘a psychological disorder’. However, the message a few days later that the Russian General Prosecutor is asked to review the legality of the Baltic states’ independence is not very reassuring. Some say there is no real threat to the sovereignty of the Baltic States but the events in Ukraine and, previously, Georgia explain the feeling of insecurity in the region.
The United States says it won’t block Russia’s attempts to establish a UN tribunal to investigate allegations that Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian wartime leaders killed hundreds of Serb civilians. The country’s lawmakers rejected amendments to the constitution to allow a Western-backed court to deal with the claims. The US Embassy in Kosovo said it was ‘deeply disappointed’ by Friday’s vote. A 2010 Council of Europe report claimed former rebel leader turned politician Hashim Thaçi and other Kosovo guerrillas ran a criminal ring in 1999 and that some victims were allegedly killed for their organs to be sold on the black market. The 120-seat legislature voted in favour of the amendments, but failed to secure a two-thirds majority to approve the changes. (Hashim Thaçi served as the prime minister of Kosovo from 2008 to 2014 . Just weeks after assuming the premiership, he oversaw Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia.)
In a chilling interview over Skype, a 28-year-old Italian woman who joined the ranks of IS last year told Corriere della Sera that the Islamic State is a ‘perfect country’ and when the group beheads people, it is simply obeying Sharia law. Maria Giulia Sergio, who changed her name to Fatima Az Zahara after converting to Islam, left for Syria with her Albanian husband, Aldo Kobuzi, just days after marrying him last September. Kobuzi was immediately dispatched to an IS training camp while Sergio was given weapons training. The story came to light last week after her parents and sister, also Muslim converts, as well as five members of Kobuzi’s family, were arrested as part of Italy’s anti-terrorism sweep. A former student at the University of Milan, she described the Islamic State - where women have been raped and forced into sexual slavery - as the ‘perfect country’, where people respect human rights.
Ireland: Four Revs a Minute on Tour de Foyle
17 Jul 2015
Leaders of the four main churches in the North West ‘got on their bikes’ at Ebrington for the
formal launch of the 2015 Tour de Foyle charity cycle. Proceeds from the event, on 29 August, will go towards the North West Methodist homeless service and the Churches Trust’s Pantry Project. Participants will cycle a 50-mile mostly flat route. The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Ken Good, said the Tour de Foyle event was consistent with the Diocesan themes of ‘Mission, children and generosity’ and he encouraged anyone who was fit enough to consider taking part. ‘This year’s beneficiaries are extremely worthy charities that deserve our wholehearted support. They provide critical help to fellow citizens at moments of crisis in their lives. I would encourage people to support these charities either by taking part in the Tour de Foyle cycle event themselves or by donating to others who are taking part.’
Iceland: Repeal of blasphemy law
17 Jul 2015
Iceland's parliament has abolished its blasphemy laws, despite opposition from some of the country's churches. A bill was put forward by the minority Pirate Party, which campaigns for internet and data freedom. It came after the deadly attack against French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris. The bill said it was ‘essential in a free society that the public can express themselves without fear of punishment’. Three Pirate Party MPs moved a bill before Alþingi (Iceland’s parliament) to have a clause removed from the Icelandic Penal Code, in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris. On 7 July the three MPs took to the Alþingi lectern and one after another, while the vote was under way, declared, ‘I am Charlie Hebdo.’ The established (Lutheran) Church of Iceland supported the move, but the Church of Iceland parish of Berunes (Eastern Iceland), the Catholic Church of Iceland, and the Fíladelfía Pentecostal church opposed it. The Catholic Church argued that blasphemy can inflict psychological abuse on individuals or groups. The Fíladelfía church asked, ‘Does a person’s human rights include the right to mock the beliefs of others?’
Hungary: YWAM sandwich run
17 Jul 2015
The city of Budapest has a big number of homeless people, some of whom have been living on the streets for the last 30 years or more. It is heart-breaking to hear their stories of how they ended up on the streets, many being rejected by their families. YWAM reaches out to these vulnerable friends by giving them sandwiches, listening to their stories, praying for them with the ultimate goal of sharing the Hope and Love of Christ! Their Mission Statement says, ‘With Jesus as our source of life and ministry, we are committed to demonstrate and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout Budapest, the nation of Hungary, the Balkans, and nations beyond. We endeavour to disciple and train young leaders by equipping and releasing those called to help fulfil the Great Commission mandate through their church, local ministry, or foreign missions project.’
Vatican City State: Pope’s message to South
17 Jul 2015
From 5 to13 July the Pope is visiting Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay. His message puts him on delicate ground. Pope Francis has accused multinational companies of stripping poor countries of natural resources, criticised unfettered capitalism for promoting ‘exclusion and inequality’ and beatified a slain Salvadoran archbishop who is an icon of the Latin American left. His messages have sounded like a message from Latin America’s leftists in Ecuador and Bolivia (the first two stops on his tour). In the past he has been critical of heavy-handed governance in his native Argentina. He was deeply influenced by Peronism, a populist movement launched by Argentine strongman Juan Domingo Peron that showers the working class with government aid. He maintained close ties to Argentina’s labour unions and their leaders, who say he believes a decent job is an essential aspect of human dignity. ‘Peronist doctrine shares much in common with the church’s social doctrine,’ Francis is quoted as saying.
Greece: Act II of Greece’s debt tragedy
17 Jul 2015
On Friday, Greece asked for 53.5 billion euros to help cover its debts until 2018, a review of primary surplus targets and ‘re-profiling’ the country’s long-term debt. Greece’s future is in the hands of the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission, France and Germany. With Greece and Germany at loggerheads, France has found itself caught in the middle. The country’s role is a pivotal one; it must help them to look beyond their past disputes. Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel is in a tricky situation. She can’t ignore the fact that most German politicians and a portion of the public are tired of hearing about Greece. The International Monetary Fund has been unpredictable since Christine Lagarde took over in 2011, its interests sometimes aligning with Greece, at other times with its creditors. Some have questioned whether the Greek debt crisis has undermined the European Commission instead of reinforcing its role at the heart of Europe’s institutions.