President Barack Obama sees Mahatma Gandhi as his role model, apart from Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela.
The charismatic Obama, who won the presidency last year becoming the first Afro-American to achieve the honour, revealed his list of heroes during an interview with Itar-Tass/Rossiya TV - the first to a Russian media outlet after becoming US President.
"Internationally -- Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi. I always am interested in leaders who are able to bring about transformative change without resort to violence, but rather changing people's minds and people's hearts," Obama said when asked who were his heroes.
Obama also reiterated his love for former President Lincoln, who lead the country at the time of the Civil War.
"Lincoln is the President who I find most compelling because not only did he deal with probably the biggest crisis in American history, the Civil War, but he also did so in a way that was full of understanding of humanity," he said.
"And his willingness to... understand other people, from slaves to slave owners, and try to hold people together even when we were in the midst of war I think is extraordinary," Obama said.
In an interview to the Outlook magazine last year Obama had said that he is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
Monday, July 06, 2009
DTN News: Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela Are My Heroes, Says US President Barack Obama
DTN News: Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela Are My Heroes, Says US President Barack Obama
*Source: DTN News
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - July 6, 2009: Seen as an icon by millions of people across the world, US 
President Barack Obama sees Mahatma Gandhi as his role model, apart from Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela.
The charismatic Obama, who won the presidency last year becoming the first Afro-American to achieve the honour, revealed his list of heroes during an interview with Itar-Tass/Rossiya TV - the first to a Russian media outlet after becoming US President.
"Internationally -- Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi. I always am interested in leaders who are able to bring about transformative change without resort to violence, but rather changing people's minds and people's hearts," Obama said when asked who were his heroes.
Obama also reiterated his love for former President Lincoln, who lead the country at the time of the Civil War.
"Lincoln is the President who I find most compelling because not only did he deal with probably the biggest crisis in American history, the Civil War, but he also did so in a way that was full of understanding of humanity," he said.
"And his willingness to... understand other people, from slaves to slave owners, and try to hold people together even when we were in the midst of war I think is extraordinary," Obama said.
In an interview to the Outlook magazine last year Obama had said that he is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
President Barack Obama sees Mahatma Gandhi as his role model, apart from Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela.
The charismatic Obama, who won the presidency last year becoming the first Afro-American to achieve the honour, revealed his list of heroes during an interview with Itar-Tass/Rossiya TV - the first to a Russian media outlet after becoming US President.
"Internationally -- Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi. I always am interested in leaders who are able to bring about transformative change without resort to violence, but rather changing people's minds and people's hearts," Obama said when asked who were his heroes.
Obama also reiterated his love for former President Lincoln, who lead the country at the time of the Civil War.
"Lincoln is the President who I find most compelling because not only did he deal with probably the biggest crisis in American history, the Civil War, but he also did so in a way that was full of understanding of humanity," he said.
"And his willingness to... understand other people, from slaves to slave owners, and try to hold people together even when we were in the midst of war I think is extraordinary," Obama said.
In an interview to the Outlook magazine last year Obama had said that he is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
DTN News: President Barack Obama, President Dmitry Medvedev Reach Preliminary Deal On Nuclear Arms Reduction
DTN News: President Barack Obama, President Dmitry Medvedev Reach Preliminary Deal On Nuclear Arms Reduction
*In a sign the Cold War is definitely over, the U.S. and Russian presidents signed a joint understanding on reducing their countries' nuclear stockpiles to a maximum 1,675 weapons and 1,100 delivery vehicles.
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - July 6, 2009: President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a "road map" for a future treaty to replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty on Monday, a prologue to a new plan to reduce the nuclear stockpile to its lowest level ever, and one of eight agreements reached in one Moscow afternoon. 
US President Barack Obama shakes hands with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on July 6, 2009. Obama arrived in Russia for a summit aimed at agreeing a roadmap to nuclear arms cuts and reviving a relationship troubled by a string of crises.
The joint understanding on START commits the United States and Russia to reduce their strategic warheads to a range of 1,500-1,675, and their strategic delivery vehicles to a range of 500-1,100. It is an update to the START deal ratified in 2001 that is set to expire in December. The previous deal allowed up to 2,200 warheads and 1,600 launch vehicles.
It also sets out plans to establish a Joint Data Exchange Center, which will notify each country of planned missile launches. It also calls on other countries with "missile potential to refrain from steps that could lead to missile proliferation and undermine regional and global stability."
And it urges interested countries to cooperate in assessing the danger of global proliferation of ballistic missiles.
"We resolve to reset U.S.-Russian relations so that we can cooperate more effectively in areas of common interest," Obama said at a press conference with Medvedev in the Kremlin.
The joint statement is the result of more than three months of negotiations between Russian and U.S. officials that began in London on April 1. It says it is a commitment to finding "optimum ways of strengthening strategic relations on the basis of mutual respect and interests."
The announcement was the first objective on an ambitious agenda developed for their first summit between the two countries. The two presidents also reached agreement on allowing flights through Russian airspace for U.S. forces in Afghanistan and reaffirming their commitment to fighting terrorists and drug traffickers in Afghanistan.
The White House said the U.S. and Russian leaders also vowed to press forward jointly with bettering the Afghan economy, social structures and living standards.
Defeating Taliban and Al Qaeda allied militants in Afghanistan is one of Obama's top foreign policy objectives. The Russians are also concerned about stopping the flow of opium and heroin that is plaguing the Russian federation and ending Islamic-rooted extremism in the former Soviet republics that border Afghanistan.
"This is a substantial contribution from Russia to our international effort ... and will save time and resources" for U.S. forces battling terrorists in Afghanistan, Obama said.
Obama and Medvedev started off their first summit on a positive note, all smiles at a press event before the two delegations proceeded into closed door meetings.
"The United States and Russia have more in common than they have differences," Obama said he sat down in an ornate Kremlin room with Medvedev. "If we work hard in these next few days ... we can make extraordinary progress that will benefit the people of both countries."
For his part, Medvedev seemed optimistic about the meetings, saying the two nations were "closing some of the pages of the past and opening some of the pages of the future."
"Even the weather favors us," he then joked about the drizzly gray skies blanketing Moscow. "It may be chilly outside but it's warm inside."
The first U.S.-Russia summit since the early part of the George W. Bush presidency presents a challenge for Obama -- with Russia's wary public, a two-headed leadership and lingering hard feelings. Much of the world will watch signs of Obama's relationship with Russia's two leaders, Medvedev and his mentor, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
The foundation set now could affect how much cooperation Obama gets in areas in which the U.S. needs help from Russia -- chiefly pressuring Iran and North Korea to give up their nuclear weapons ambitions, but also in tackling terrorism, global warming and the economy.
Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their two children arrived in Moscow on Monday afternoon, just as Russian news reports were coming out about the deal between the two nations. While the framework is a start, neither side is expecting a final agreement to be reached while Obama is on the ground in Moscow. 
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and his wife Michelle Obama, second left, take part at a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier in Moscow, Russia, Monday, July 6, 2009. President Barack Obama touched down in Moscow on Monday for a full-scale summit and diplomatic meetings.
Other side agreements meant to sweeten the talks included a new joint commission to try to account for missing service members of both countries dating back to World War II. Four working groups will look into missing military personnel from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and Soviet military personnel still missing from Moscow's 10-year occupation of Afghanistan.
The White House also said the two countries have agreed to cooperate in the fields of public health and medical research, an arrangement intended to range across public health issues from infectious diseases to promotion of healthy lifestyles to improving global health.
Yet, the two sides remain in a stalemate over the U.S. pursuit of a missile-defense system in Europe. Obama's administration is reviewing the efficacy of plan, which Bush had pushed hard. The presidents vowed to keep working on the topic.
The basic problem is unchanged: The U.S. contends the program is designed to protect U.S. allies in Europe from a potential nuclear attack by Iran, but the Russians see it as a first step toward a system that could weaken their offensive nuclear strike potential.
"We're going to have to work our way through that," Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told "FOX News Sunday."
After Air Force One jetliner touched down and a formal reception line on the airport tarmac, the entourage of Russian and U.S. officials headed directly to a wreath-laying ceremony at Russia's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the sun breaking over the city's center as they drove in. The president walked slowly behind three high-stepping Russian soldiers, then straightened the wreath's ribbon where they placed it in front of the eternal flame and stood alone briefly.
The summit starts a weeklong trip for Obama that also features G-8 meetings and a visit with the pope in Italy, and a speech in Ghana.
Russia and U.S. ties have plenty of room for improvement. Obama, who has enjoyed adoring crowds in travels across Europe so far, will face a skeptical Russian population, polling out Sunday shows.
Only 23 percent of Russians have confidence in Obama to do the right thing in international affairs, according to the University of Maryland's WorldPublicOpinion.org. Just 15 percent of the Russians polled said the U.S. is playing a positive role in the world; most said the United States abuses it power and makes Russia do what the U.S. wants.
"I would like there to be real change, not just talk," said Valentina Titova, a 60-year-old retired economist strolling not far from the Kremlin. "I would like to see America meddle less in other countries. They think they're so superior to others, they put themselves on a pedestal."
Aiming to change attitudes, Obama will outline his vision for U.S.-Russian relations at a speech at the New Economic School. It is unclear how many people will see it. Russian leaders control the television outlets.
As Obama told a Russian-language news channel in the days before the summit: "America respects Russia. We want to build relations where we deal as equals."
Yet he also caused a stir in Russia by telling The Associated Press last week that Putin has to learn that "the old Cold War approaches to U.S.-Russian relations is outdated." That only elevated the stakes of Obama's first meeting with Putin, which is set for Tuesday.
Russia and the United States have been allies and adversaries. Obama inherited more of the latter, with relations having tanked in 2008 over Russia's war with neighboring Georgia. Obama got off to a solid start with Medvedev, however, during an April meeting in London.
US President Barack Obama shakes hands with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on July 6, 2009. Obama arrived in Russia for a summit aimed at agreeing a roadmap to nuclear arms cuts and reviving a relationship troubled by a string of crises.
The joint understanding on START commits the United States and Russia to reduce their strategic warheads to a range of 1,500-1,675, and their strategic delivery vehicles to a range of 500-1,100. It is an update to the START deal ratified in 2001 that is set to expire in December. The previous deal allowed up to 2,200 warheads and 1,600 launch vehicles.
It also sets out plans to establish a Joint Data Exchange Center, which will notify each country of planned missile launches. It also calls on other countries with "missile potential to refrain from steps that could lead to missile proliferation and undermine regional and global stability."
And it urges interested countries to cooperate in assessing the danger of global proliferation of ballistic missiles.
"We resolve to reset U.S.-Russian relations so that we can cooperate more effectively in areas of common interest," Obama said at a press conference with Medvedev in the Kremlin.
The joint statement is the result of more than three months of negotiations between Russian and U.S. officials that began in London on April 1. It says it is a commitment to finding "optimum ways of strengthening strategic relations on the basis of mutual respect and interests."
The announcement was the first objective on an ambitious agenda developed for their first summit between the two countries. The two presidents also reached agreement on allowing flights through Russian airspace for U.S. forces in Afghanistan and reaffirming their commitment to fighting terrorists and drug traffickers in Afghanistan.
The White House said the U.S. and Russian leaders also vowed to press forward jointly with bettering the Afghan economy, social structures and living standards.
Defeating Taliban and Al Qaeda allied militants in Afghanistan is one of Obama's top foreign policy objectives. The Russians are also concerned about stopping the flow of opium and heroin that is plaguing the Russian federation and ending Islamic-rooted extremism in the former Soviet republics that border Afghanistan.
"This is a substantial contribution from Russia to our international effort ... and will save time and resources" for U.S. forces battling terrorists in Afghanistan, Obama said.
Obama and Medvedev started off their first summit on a positive note, all smiles at a press event before the two delegations proceeded into closed door meetings.
"The United States and Russia have more in common than they have differences," Obama said he sat down in an ornate Kremlin room with Medvedev. "If we work hard in these next few days ... we can make extraordinary progress that will benefit the people of both countries."
For his part, Medvedev seemed optimistic about the meetings, saying the two nations were "closing some of the pages of the past and opening some of the pages of the future."
"Even the weather favors us," he then joked about the drizzly gray skies blanketing Moscow. "It may be chilly outside but it's warm inside."
The first U.S.-Russia summit since the early part of the George W. Bush presidency presents a challenge for Obama -- with Russia's wary public, a two-headed leadership and lingering hard feelings. Much of the world will watch signs of Obama's relationship with Russia's two leaders, Medvedev and his mentor, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
The foundation set now could affect how much cooperation Obama gets in areas in which the U.S. needs help from Russia -- chiefly pressuring Iran and North Korea to give up their nuclear weapons ambitions, but also in tackling terrorism, global warming and the economy.
Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their two children arrived in Moscow on Monday afternoon, just as Russian news reports were coming out about the deal between the two nations. While the framework is a start, neither side is expecting a final agreement to be reached while Obama is on the ground in Moscow. U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and his wife Michelle Obama, second left, take part at a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier in Moscow, Russia, Monday, July 6, 2009. President Barack Obama touched down in Moscow on Monday for a full-scale summit and diplomatic meetings.
Other side agreements meant to sweeten the talks included a new joint commission to try to account for missing service members of both countries dating back to World War II. Four working groups will look into missing military personnel from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and Soviet military personnel still missing from Moscow's 10-year occupation of Afghanistan.
The White House also said the two countries have agreed to cooperate in the fields of public health and medical research, an arrangement intended to range across public health issues from infectious diseases to promotion of healthy lifestyles to improving global health.
Yet, the two sides remain in a stalemate over the U.S. pursuit of a missile-defense system in Europe. Obama's administration is reviewing the efficacy of plan, which Bush had pushed hard. The presidents vowed to keep working on the topic.
The basic problem is unchanged: The U.S. contends the program is designed to protect U.S. allies in Europe from a potential nuclear attack by Iran, but the Russians see it as a first step toward a system that could weaken their offensive nuclear strike potential.
"We're going to have to work our way through that," Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told "FOX News Sunday."
After Air Force One jetliner touched down and a formal reception line on the airport tarmac, the entourage of Russian and U.S. officials headed directly to a wreath-laying ceremony at Russia's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the sun breaking over the city's center as they drove in. The president walked slowly behind three high-stepping Russian soldiers, then straightened the wreath's ribbon where they placed it in front of the eternal flame and stood alone briefly.
The summit starts a weeklong trip for Obama that also features G-8 meetings and a visit with the pope in Italy, and a speech in Ghana.
Russia and U.S. ties have plenty of room for improvement. Obama, who has enjoyed adoring crowds in travels across Europe so far, will face a skeptical Russian population, polling out Sunday shows.
Only 23 percent of Russians have confidence in Obama to do the right thing in international affairs, according to the University of Maryland's WorldPublicOpinion.org. Just 15 percent of the Russians polled said the U.S. is playing a positive role in the world; most said the United States abuses it power and makes Russia do what the U.S. wants.
"I would like there to be real change, not just talk," said Valentina Titova, a 60-year-old retired economist strolling not far from the Kremlin. "I would like to see America meddle less in other countries. They think they're so superior to others, they put themselves on a pedestal."
Aiming to change attitudes, Obama will outline his vision for U.S.-Russian relations at a speech at the New Economic School. It is unclear how many people will see it. Russian leaders control the television outlets.
As Obama told a Russian-language news channel in the days before the summit: "America respects Russia. We want to build relations where we deal as equals."
Yet he also caused a stir in Russia by telling The Associated Press last week that Putin has to learn that "the old Cold War approaches to U.S.-Russian relations is outdated." That only elevated the stakes of Obama's first meeting with Putin, which is set for Tuesday.
Russia and the United States have been allies and adversaries. Obama inherited more of the latter, with relations having tanked in 2008 over Russia's war with neighboring Georgia. Obama got off to a solid start with Medvedev, however, during an April meeting in London.
DTN News: IAI Advances Strategic Cooperative Efforts With Kazakhstan
DTN News: IAI Advances Strategic Cooperative Efforts With Kazakhstan
DC 10 undergoing conversion process at the Bedek Aviation facilities in Israel.
In the first phase of the agreement, IAI’s Bedek Aviation Group will perform heavy checks on two of DETA Air's DC-10-40SF aircraft, part of the company's fleet which also includes Russian cargo planes. The business potential for Bedek is estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Mr. Shimon Peres, President of Israel, and Mr. Karim Masimov, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, during Mr. Peres' visit to Kazakhstan this week.
The agreement was signed by IAI's Vice President for Strategy and Planning, Baruch Mevorach, who is traveling with the President's delegation. Mr. Mevorach notes that "this constitutes a breakthrough for IAI in a newly identified important region of the world because of the expected economic growth in central Asia, which will increase its cargo flights. IAI is a well-known, leading supplier of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) for both cargo and passenger aircraft." Yerlan Zhaxybekov, General Director of DETA Air, sees IAI Bedek as an essential strategic partner in the development of the airline's western aircraft fleet during its growth.
In the picture: DC 10 undergoing conversion process at the Bedek Aviation facilities in Israel
About Israel Aerospace IndustriesIsrael Aerospace Industries, is one of Israel’s leading technological-industrial companies employing around 16,400 people and is a leading developer of aviation and aerospace technology in the military and civilian markets. IAI’s backlog grew from over $1 billion at the beginning of 2009 to a record high of over $8 billion.
IAI is a world leader in a wide range of advanced technologies, including development, production, renovation, upgrading, repair and maintenance of aircraft, missiles, launchers, communications satellites, observation satellites and ground services, electronic systems, avionics systems, advanced radar, precision-guided munitions and unmanned aerial vehicles.
For more information, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Vice President of Communications
Tel: 03-935-8509
Fax: 03-935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il
*The President of Israel and the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan discussed strengthening of commercial ties between the two countries
*Source: DTN News / Israel Aerospace Industries; issued June 30, 2009 (For info or link click here)
(NSI News Source Info) TEL AVIV, Israel - July 6, 2009: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and DETA Air, a leading cargo operator in central Asia, signed today a General Terms Agreement (G.T.A.) to engage in long-term strategic cooperative efforts.
DC 10 undergoing conversion process at the Bedek Aviation facilities in Israel.
In the first phase of the agreement, IAI’s Bedek Aviation Group will perform heavy checks on two of DETA Air's DC-10-40SF aircraft, part of the company's fleet which also includes Russian cargo planes. The business potential for Bedek is estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Mr. Shimon Peres, President of Israel, and Mr. Karim Masimov, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, during Mr. Peres' visit to Kazakhstan this week.
The agreement was signed by IAI's Vice President for Strategy and Planning, Baruch Mevorach, who is traveling with the President's delegation. Mr. Mevorach notes that "this constitutes a breakthrough for IAI in a newly identified important region of the world because of the expected economic growth in central Asia, which will increase its cargo flights. IAI is a well-known, leading supplier of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) for both cargo and passenger aircraft." Yerlan Zhaxybekov, General Director of DETA Air, sees IAI Bedek as an essential strategic partner in the development of the airline's western aircraft fleet during its growth.
In the picture: DC 10 undergoing conversion process at the Bedek Aviation facilities in Israel
About Israel Aerospace IndustriesIsrael Aerospace Industries, is one of Israel’s leading technological-industrial companies employing around 16,400 people and is a leading developer of aviation and aerospace technology in the military and civilian markets. IAI’s backlog grew from over $1 billion at the beginning of 2009 to a record high of over $8 billion.
IAI is a world leader in a wide range of advanced technologies, including development, production, renovation, upgrading, repair and maintenance of aircraft, missiles, launchers, communications satellites, observation satellites and ground services, electronic systems, avionics systems, advanced radar, precision-guided munitions and unmanned aerial vehicles.
For more information, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Vice President of Communications
Tel: 03-935-8509
Fax: 03-935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il
DTN News: Germany Awards 3.1 Billion Production Contract For Puma Infantry Combat Vehicle
DTN News: Germany Awards 3.1 Billion Production Contract For Puma Infantry Combat Vehicle
*Source: DTN News / Defense News
(NSI News Source Info) MUNICH, Germany - July 6, 2009: Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) has received the largest single order in its recent history with a commission for series production of the Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). 
The German MoD has awarded a production contract for 405 Puma Infantry Combat Vehicles to a joint venture between KMW and Rheinmetall. (Rheinmetall photo)
PSM GmbH (Project System and Management), a joint venture in which KMW and Rheinmetall AG of Düsseldorf each hold a 50% stake, was awarded a contract by the Federal German Defence Technology and Procurement Agency (BWB) for the delivery of 405 newly developed combat vehicles.
The total contract value is approximately EUR 3.1 billion. The delivery of the IFVs to the German Bundeswehr will start 2010. The Budget as well as the Defence Committee of the German Parliament (Bundestag) have previously given the green light for the start of what is currently the largest European armaments project for land forces.
“The PUMA contract is of key significance both for the Bundeswehr and the industry. It sets unique technical standards and will ensure that decisive system skills are retained in Germany, which are vital for maintaining our international competitiveness,” said Frank Haun, CEO of KMW, on signing the contract.
Puma sets new standards – best possible protection for crew
The Puma is the most important modernisation project in the Bundeswehr's armaments procurement programme. It offers its occupants until now unequalled protection against mines, anti-tank weapons and improvised explosive devices commonly encountered in modern conflict areas. Its air portability, its mobility in difficult terrain and its scalability all go to make the Puma a vehicle that will take on important tasks in international conflict management while providing its occupants with the best possible degree of protection.
It is also without equal in terms of endurance and firepower. The [unmanned] turret design developed by KMW sets new standards, as does a decoupled running gear that is completely isolated from the vehicle bodypan, which means that even at high speeds noise and vibrations inside the vehicle can be reduced in comparison with existing IFVs by around 90 percent.
More than 30 years after the Marder IFV entered service with the Bundeswehr, the Puma, with its extended scope of performance, establishes a completely new vehicle category. In international comparison it is taking a leading position among armoured combat vehicles.
In September 2002, the German Parliament gave the go-ahead for the new IFV by issuing the development order. It was decided to procure five pre-production series vehicles with a value of around EUR 350 million at the end of 2004. These pre-series vehicles are now in service with the Bundeswehr for trials and optimisation having successfully completed numerous tests in March 2009.
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG leads the European market for armoured wheeled and tracked vehicles. At locations in Germany, Greece, the Netherlands and the USA, some 3400 employees manufacture and support a product portfolio ranging from air-transportable, heavily armoured wheeled vehicles (MUNGO, DINGO, GFF4 and BOXER*) through reconnaissance, anti-aircraft and artillery systems (FENNEK, GEPARD, LeFLaSys*, Self-Propelled Howitzer 2000, AGM and DONAR) to heavy battle tanks (LEOPARD 1 and 2), armoured personnel carriers (PUMA) and bridge-laying systems (LEGUAN and PSB2). The armed forces of more than 30 nations worldwide rely on the operational systems by KMW.
DTN News: Russian Forecast President Barack Obama's Trip To Kremlin Moderate Success
DTN News: Russian Forecast President Barack Obama's Trip To Kremlin Moderate Success
*Source: DTN News
(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - July 6, 2009: A souvenir seller displays matryoshka dolls, or Russian nesting dolls, painted with portraits of U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian president Dmitry Medvedev near Red Square on July 5, 2009 in Moscow, Russia.
Russian Matryoshka dolls decorated with images of Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev and U.S. President Barack Obama are seen on display at a market in Moscow.
Obama leaves for Moscow Sunday to take part in talks with Russian officials and will arrive for his first visit to Russia as president on July 6.
Russian Matryoshka dolls decorated with images of Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev and U.S. President Barack Obama are seen on display at a market in Moscow.
Obama leaves for Moscow Sunday to take part in talks with Russian officials and will arrive for his first visit to Russia as president on July 6.DTN News: China, Mongolia Seek Further Military Cooperation
DTN News: China, Mongolia Seek Further Military Cooperation
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) BEIJING, China - July 6, 2009: Senior military officials of China and Mongolia pledged Sunday t
o enhance military cooperation.
o enhance military cooperation.
Bilateral relations were sound with frequent high-level visits and fast-developing economic and trade cooperation, said Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie in a meeting with visiting State Secretary of the Mongolian Defense Ministry M. Borbaatar.
Liang said China attached great importance to bilateral military ties and was ready to advance military friendship and cooperation.
From June 28 to July 3, China and Mongolia held "Peacekeeping Mission-2009." The two sides have also held the fourth Defense Security Consultation.
Liang said both activities achieved positive results, and hope the two sides could further cooperation, and enhance mutual trust, so as to contribute to regional and global peace and stability.
M. Borbaatar said the two armed forces had made achievements in the cooperation.
He reiterated Mongolia's adherence to the one-China policy.
He said he hoped that his visit could further enhance the friendly cooperation between the two countries and two armed forces.
DTN News: Sweden Offers India Civilian Nuclear Technology
DTN News: Sweden Offers India Civilian Nuclear Technology
*Source: DTN News
(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - July 6, 2009: Sweden, a member of the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group, is offering New Delhi its niche expertise in nucle
ar waste management and security as it eyes India’s $40 billion civilian nuclear energy market.
“Sweden has considerable expertise in nuclear waste management and areas relating to nuclear security. We are exploring opportunities of partnering with India in this area,” Sweden’s Ambassador to India Lars-Olof Lindgren told IANS in an interview here.
The envoy said a delegation of Swedish companies operating in the area of nuclear technology and safety management came to India this April on an exploratory trip. They held talks with officials of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and also met India’s nuclear points man Anil Kakodkar, chief of the Atomic Energy Commission.
The delegation comprised Swedish atomic companies such as Sandpit, Swenson, SKB International Consulting AB, Studbook, ES-consult and Rel con Candlepower AB.
Another Swedish delegation will be coming to India soon to explore opportunities in the nuclear energy area, the envoy said, adding that nuclear technology solutions is a promising area of future cooperation between the two countries.
Swedish companies are also in touch with Indian private companies such as Larsen and Toubro and Bharat Forge which are interested in the production of nuclear power, currently the monopoly of the government in India.
The envoy sought to dispel the impression that Sweden, like other Scandinavian countries, was reluctant to support a consensus for India in the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group - the global cartel that controls global trade in nuclear equipment and materials.
“We consider India as a responsible nuclear power and understand its need for energy and nuclear development. Sweden was never questioning a change in the NSG guidelines,” the envoy underlined.
He also outlined possibilities of cooperation in renewable solar and wind energy and clean energy technologies in which Sweden is a pacesetter.
Sweden depends on nuclear power for nearly 50 percent of its energy needs. In a radical departure from its established policy, the Swedish government scrapped a three-decade ban on building new nuclear reactors in February this year, saying it needed to avoid producing more greenhouse gases.
The Swedish government is now planning to replace old reactors with new reactors, the envoy said.
The Indian nuclear power market is estimated to touch $40 billion or Rs.20,000 crore by 2020. Atomic companies from the US, Russia, France and Kazakhstan, the four countries with which India has signed bilateral nuclear pacts, are vying to get a share of the nuclear pie. British companies specializing in nuclear safety and research have also opened contacts with India.
ar waste management and security as it eyes India’s $40 billion civilian nuclear energy market.
“Sweden has considerable expertise in nuclear waste management and areas relating to nuclear security. We are exploring opportunities of partnering with India in this area,” Sweden’s Ambassador to India Lars-Olof Lindgren told IANS in an interview here.
The envoy said a delegation of Swedish companies operating in the area of nuclear technology and safety management came to India this April on an exploratory trip. They held talks with officials of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and also met India’s nuclear points man Anil Kakodkar, chief of the Atomic Energy Commission.
The delegation comprised Swedish atomic companies such as Sandpit, Swenson, SKB International Consulting AB, Studbook, ES-consult and Rel con Candlepower AB.
Another Swedish delegation will be coming to India soon to explore opportunities in the nuclear energy area, the envoy said, adding that nuclear technology solutions is a promising area of future cooperation between the two countries.
Swedish companies are also in touch with Indian private companies such as Larsen and Toubro and Bharat Forge which are interested in the production of nuclear power, currently the monopoly of the government in India.
The envoy sought to dispel the impression that Sweden, like other Scandinavian countries, was reluctant to support a consensus for India in the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group - the global cartel that controls global trade in nuclear equipment and materials.
“We consider India as a responsible nuclear power and understand its need for energy and nuclear development. Sweden was never questioning a change in the NSG guidelines,” the envoy underlined.
He also outlined possibilities of cooperation in renewable solar and wind energy and clean energy technologies in which Sweden is a pacesetter.
Sweden depends on nuclear power for nearly 50 percent of its energy needs. In a radical departure from its established policy, the Swedish government scrapped a three-decade ban on building new nuclear reactors in February this year, saying it needed to avoid producing more greenhouse gases.
The Swedish government is now planning to replace old reactors with new reactors, the envoy said.
The Indian nuclear power market is estimated to touch $40 billion or Rs.20,000 crore by 2020. Atomic companies from the US, Russia, France and Kazakhstan, the four countries with which India has signed bilateral nuclear pacts, are vying to get a share of the nuclear pie. British companies specializing in nuclear safety and research have also opened contacts with India.
DTN News: Drug Trafficking In Africa
DTN News: Drug Trafficking In Africa
*Source: DTN News
(NSI News Source Info) BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau - July 6, 2009: People gather around a speedboat believed to be used by drug traffickers in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.Drawn by its vast coastline, limited law enforcement capacity and weak governance, Latin American drug traffickers in recent years have turned West Africa into a major transshipment point for cocaine and other illegal drugs. 
People gather around a speedboat of a type believed to be used by drug traffickers, as it unloads cargo at a quay in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. Cocaine trafficking could become the biggest source of income in impoverished Guinea-Bissau, dwarfing all other economic sectors combined, a top U.N official said, adding the influx of drug money could destabilize the coup-prone West African country.
It's estimated that 60% of the cocaine sold in Europe now passes through nations such as Guinea-Bissau, Togo, Ghana and Senegal. That's an alarming trend for both international counternarcotics efforts and the stability of the countries affected.
The United States is coordinating the work of 3 government departments to work with nations in the region and other international partners to confront the problem, which in the near term is expected to get worse before it gets better.
Assistant Secretary of State Johnnie Carson told Congress recently that the U.S. State, Justice and Defense Departments are united in their understanding of the threat drug trafficking poses not only to the nations of West Africa, but to U.S. interests as well.
Guinea has had only two presidents since gaining its independence from France in 1958. Lansana CONTE came to power in 1984 when the military seized the government after the death of the first president, Sekou TOURE. Guinea did not hold democratic elections until 1993 when Gen. CONTE (head of the military government) was elected president of the civilian government. He was reelected in 1998 and again in 2003. Unrest in Sierra Leone and Liberia has spilled over into Guinea on several occasions over the past decade, threatening stability and creating humanitarian emergencies. In 2006, declining economic conditions prompted two massive strikes that sparked urban unrest in many Guinean cities.
The problem is not isolated to West Africa alone. Kenya and Ethiopia have become major transshipment routes for heroin coming out of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The impact this has is seen in crime and corruption in the affected countries and ultimately an increase in drug use by people in the transshipment points.
The U.S. is working with the European Commission and United Nations to help nations in the region, with intelligence gathering, maritime patrol and assistance in the criminal justice sector. Ghana, Togo, and Sierra Leone have already demonstrated willingness to working closely with the U.S. and other countries have expressed interest.
DTN News: President Barack Obama's Trip ~ 3 More Countries, 1 Broad Mission
DTN News: President Barack Obama's Trip ~ 3 More Countries, 1 Broad Mission
*Source: DTN News / AP By Ben Feller
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - July 6, 2009: Determined to change the way the world views the United States, Barack Obama is onto his next foreign mission: rebuilding relations with Russia, proving to global leaders that America is serious about climate change, and outlining his vision for Africa, his father's birthplace. 
WASHINGTON - JULY 4: U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama debark Marine One after returning from Camp David on July 4, 2009 at Ft. McNair in Washington, DC. President Obama will spend the Independence Day holiday at the White House before departing tomorrow for Russia.
And when in Rome? Obama will go to the Vatican to see Pope Benedict XVI for their first meeting.
Obama's weeklong trip — he leaves Sunday night for Moscow — typifies the pace of his first-year agenda.
Capitalizing on his popularity and his party's hold on power in Washington, Obama is moving quickly and broadly on foreign policy. That often means overturning George W. Bush's policies or mending relations that Obama contends went adrift under his Republican predecessor.
Familiar foes may shadow Obama and his plans.
Iran and North Korea are defiantly pursuing nuclear weapons programs despite international penalties. Iran has taken a hard and deadly line against postelection protesters, while North Korea fired seven ballistic missiles off its eastern coast on America's Independence Day. The North also has raised the prospect of a long-range missile launch, possibly toward Hawaii. The U.S. has positioned more missile defenses around the state.
Obama's trip is anchored around a yearly meeting of leaders from the world's industrial powers, set for Italy. The Group of Eight countries — the U.S., Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Canada and Russia — will try to make progress on climate change. Negotiations for a new international agreement to reduce greenhouse gases get under way in Denmark in December.
Before the Italy meeting, Obama holds a nuclear-arms-focused summit in the Russian capital. The final leg of the trip brings the first black U.S. president to Africa, home to Obama's late Kenyan-born father.
Obama set a tone for the Moscow meeting by saying in an Associated Press interview Thursday that he was off to a good start with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. But, Obama added, Vladimir Putin — Medvedev's predecessor and the current prime minister — "still has a lot of sway in Russia."
Obama has separate meetings with them.
"I think Putin has one foot in the old ways of doing business and one foot in the new," Obama said in the interview. Putin responded Friday by poking fun at Obama's imagery and saying the new U.S. president is wrong about him. A Putin spokesman said Obama would change his mind after meeting Putin.
"Putin knows that, given Medvedev's position, he's the guy who deals with foreign leaders," said Stephen Sestanovich, a Russian expert at the Council on Foreign Relations. "But Putin wants to find ways of reminding everybody who's really in charge. And I don't doubt that he will find ways of doing that."
The rhetoric leading up to the summit reflects the complex relationship between the countries. Putting down a friendly marker of his own before Obama shows up, Medvedev noted that conditions had worsened in recent years but now there is "only one road to follow — the road of agreement."
Obama expects to emerge from Moscow with a framework for how the U.S. and Russia will go about reducing their stockpile of nuclear warheads. He and Medvedev stated their intentions toward that goal in April during a London meeting that had both leaders talking of a fresh start.
Any tangible progress now will be held up as proof of better U.S.-Russia ties, and a step toward broader cooperation on ridding the world of nuclear arms.
Yet there is harder work ahead to determine how many weapons both sides will give up and how those steps will be verified. Both sides hope to have a final deal in place before a current treaty expires in December. And still unclear is whether Russia will insist on linking its weapons reduction to an issue it says is related — U.S. plans to build a missile defense system in Europe.
Obama plans to give a major address on U.S.-Russia relations and meet with a range of civic leaders, hoping to turn around Russian attitudes of the U.S.
"I think that there have been times over the last several years where U.S.-Russian relations were not as strong as they should be," Obama told state-owned Russia TV. "What I have said coming in is I want to press the restart button on relations between the United states and Russia."
In Italy, the G-8 site was moved from a deluxe seaside resort in Sardinia to a military school in L'Aquila, where an earthquake in April killed 300 and displaced tens of thousands. Italy shifted the summit there to draw attention to the plight of the victims. Obama is expected to get a personal look at some of the damage.
A powerful aftershock hit the town Friday, just days ahead of the leaders' arrival.
The international summit will center on the recession but is expected to produce more of a recovery progress report than new policy. Iran, climate change, food security in Africa, Middle East peace and trade also are on the agenda.
Obama will meet the pope on Friday. The president said he has a policy agenda in mind, including such matters as global poverty, but made clear that "having a meeting with the Holy Father is a great honor, and something that I'm very much looking forward to."
The president caps the trip in Ghana, a West African country that has emerged as a standout example of democracy in a region beset by coups. He will speak to parliament, emphasizing the promise of democratic governance, and tour a castle that once served as a hub of slave trading.
As he embarks on this fifth foreign trip of his presidency, Obama's approval rating hovers around a strong 60 percent. Awaiting him upon his return will be the start of Senate hearings on his Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor, and intensifying legislative debate over his push to overhaul health care.
WASHINGTON - JULY 4: U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama debark Marine One after returning from Camp David on July 4, 2009 at Ft. McNair in Washington, DC. President Obama will spend the Independence Day holiday at the White House before departing tomorrow for Russia.
And when in Rome? Obama will go to the Vatican to see Pope Benedict XVI for their first meeting.
Obama's weeklong trip — he leaves Sunday night for Moscow — typifies the pace of his first-year agenda.
Capitalizing on his popularity and his party's hold on power in Washington, Obama is moving quickly and broadly on foreign policy. That often means overturning George W. Bush's policies or mending relations that Obama contends went adrift under his Republican predecessor.
Familiar foes may shadow Obama and his plans.
Iran and North Korea are defiantly pursuing nuclear weapons programs despite international penalties. Iran has taken a hard and deadly line against postelection protesters, while North Korea fired seven ballistic missiles off its eastern coast on America's Independence Day. The North also has raised the prospect of a long-range missile launch, possibly toward Hawaii. The U.S. has positioned more missile defenses around the state.
Obama's trip is anchored around a yearly meeting of leaders from the world's industrial powers, set for Italy. The Group of Eight countries — the U.S., Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Canada and Russia — will try to make progress on climate change. Negotiations for a new international agreement to reduce greenhouse gases get under way in Denmark in December.
Before the Italy meeting, Obama holds a nuclear-arms-focused summit in the Russian capital. The final leg of the trip brings the first black U.S. president to Africa, home to Obama's late Kenyan-born father.
Obama set a tone for the Moscow meeting by saying in an Associated Press interview Thursday that he was off to a good start with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. But, Obama added, Vladimir Putin — Medvedev's predecessor and the current prime minister — "still has a lot of sway in Russia."
Obama has separate meetings with them.
"I think Putin has one foot in the old ways of doing business and one foot in the new," Obama said in the interview. Putin responded Friday by poking fun at Obama's imagery and saying the new U.S. president is wrong about him. A Putin spokesman said Obama would change his mind after meeting Putin.
"Putin knows that, given Medvedev's position, he's the guy who deals with foreign leaders," said Stephen Sestanovich, a Russian expert at the Council on Foreign Relations. "But Putin wants to find ways of reminding everybody who's really in charge. And I don't doubt that he will find ways of doing that."
The rhetoric leading up to the summit reflects the complex relationship between the countries. Putting down a friendly marker of his own before Obama shows up, Medvedev noted that conditions had worsened in recent years but now there is "only one road to follow — the road of agreement."
Obama expects to emerge from Moscow with a framework for how the U.S. and Russia will go about reducing their stockpile of nuclear warheads. He and Medvedev stated their intentions toward that goal in April during a London meeting that had both leaders talking of a fresh start.
Any tangible progress now will be held up as proof of better U.S.-Russia ties, and a step toward broader cooperation on ridding the world of nuclear arms.
Yet there is harder work ahead to determine how many weapons both sides will give up and how those steps will be verified. Both sides hope to have a final deal in place before a current treaty expires in December. And still unclear is whether Russia will insist on linking its weapons reduction to an issue it says is related — U.S. plans to build a missile defense system in Europe.
Obama plans to give a major address on U.S.-Russia relations and meet with a range of civic leaders, hoping to turn around Russian attitudes of the U.S.
"I think that there have been times over the last several years where U.S.-Russian relations were not as strong as they should be," Obama told state-owned Russia TV. "What I have said coming in is I want to press the restart button on relations between the United states and Russia."
In Italy, the G-8 site was moved from a deluxe seaside resort in Sardinia to a military school in L'Aquila, where an earthquake in April killed 300 and displaced tens of thousands. Italy shifted the summit there to draw attention to the plight of the victims. Obama is expected to get a personal look at some of the damage.
A powerful aftershock hit the town Friday, just days ahead of the leaders' arrival.
The international summit will center on the recession but is expected to produce more of a recovery progress report than new policy. Iran, climate change, food security in Africa, Middle East peace and trade also are on the agenda.
Obama will meet the pope on Friday. The president said he has a policy agenda in mind, including such matters as global poverty, but made clear that "having a meeting with the Holy Father is a great honor, and something that I'm very much looking forward to."
The president caps the trip in Ghana, a West African country that has emerged as a standout example of democracy in a region beset by coups. He will speak to parliament, emphasizing the promise of democratic governance, and tour a castle that once served as a hub of slave trading.
As he embarks on this fifth foreign trip of his presidency, Obama's approval rating hovers around a strong 60 percent. Awaiting him upon his return will be the start of Senate hearings on his Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor, and intensifying legislative debate over his push to overhaul health care.DTN News: Israeli Submarine Crosses Suez Canal With Eye On Iran
DTN News: Israeli Submarine Crosses Suez Canal With Eye On Iran
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) JERUSALEM, Israel - July 6, 2009: An Israeli submarine crossed through the Suez Canal last month as a part of a military training exercise, defense officials said on Saturday. 
Based at Haifa, the Israeli Navy (IN) currently operates three modern, diesel-electric, Dolphin-class submarines. The IN is reportedly interested in acquiring at least two more units. In December 2003, two of Israel's three decommissioned Gal-class submarines arrived in Kiel for refits and modernization at Germany's Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft. They are to be reactivated for the IN.
The move is believed to have been made as a warning to Iran of the Jewish state's capabilities and and to show that Israel and Egypt, are cooperating against a shared threat. The two countries share a peace agreement but have had cool relations for years.
By using the Suez, an Israeli submarine could reach the Persian Gulf off Iran in a matter of days, compared wiith weeks to sail around the southern tip of Africa.
The submarine participated in naval maneuvers in the Red Sea last month, said Israeli defense officials who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. They did not giive further details. Israel owns three dolphin-grade submarines, which can carry nuclear warheads. Israeli defense officials do not discuss the type of missiles that can be fired from the submarines, nor their range.
Israeli officials have a long-standing policy of neither confirming nor denying its nuclear arsenal and would not comment on Saturday. It is believed, however, to have the world's sixth-largest stockpile of atomic arms, including hundreds of warheads.
The maneuvers took place before the Iranian presidential election that set off a wave of protest demonstrations. Israeli officials believe that Iran intends to acquire the ability to build nuclear weapons regardless of who leads the country. Iran is under three sets of UN Security Council sanctions for refusing to freeze its uranium enrichment program - an activity that Tehran insists is meant to generate nuclear fuel but which can also be used to produce fissile material for nuclear warheads.
Iran's nuclear program is particularly worrying for Israel because of Tehran's belligerent stance toward the Jewish state. Egypt also has tense relations with Iran which it believes is trying to spread its radical brand of militant Islam through the region.
The Jerusalem Post reported this was the first time Israeli vessels had crossed the Egyptian canal since 2005.
Egypt's relations with Iran worsened after Egyptian officials arrested members of the Lebanese Shiite guerrilla group Hezbollah in Egypt, accusing them of operating in its territory. Hezbollah is bankrolled by Iran, and Egypt accuses it of being a proxy to obtain Mideast regional influence.
Related Info: IDF Navy Submarine Spotted Returning To Israel Via Suez
(NSI News Source Info) JERUSALEM, Israel - July 6, 2009: An IDF Navy Dolphin-class submarine that participated in maneuvers off the Eilat coast last week returned to Israel via the Suez Canal on Sunday according to witnesses' reports.
The submarine was spotted returning through the waterway along with an Israeli missile boat.
However, an Israeli defense official told Reuters there would be no permanent deployment in Eilat of the German-made submarines, of which the Navy has three, with two more on order.
"If anything, we are scaling down our naval operations in Eilat," the official was quoted as saying on Sunday. (TO READ FOR FULL STORY....CLICK HERE)
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