US diplomatic signals go unheard in Ukraine
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal in Kyiv on May 6. (Efrem Lukatsky/Pool via REUTERS)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent press conference marking his second year in office reinforced the impression that Kyiv is still struggling to correctly interpret the diplomatic signals it is receiving from Washington. It is unclear whether this problem lies in an unwillingness to conduct reforms or the Zelenskyy administration’s inability to navigate the world of international diplomacy. However, it is clearly in the interests of Ukraine to build more effective dialog with the country’s international partners.
May 22, 2021 Share
The sanctioning of Albania’s former leader for “significant corruption” is being cast as part of a drive by the new U.S. administration to fight corruption and promote democracy worldwide. But some analysts are questioning the wisdom of punishing a foreign politician for actions not directly affecting the United States.
In announcing the sanctions on Sali Berisha and members of his family this week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Berisha “was involved in corrupt acts” during his term as prime minister of Albania, including “misappropriation of public funds and interfering with public processes.”
Blinken added that Berisha had used power “for his own benefit and to enrich his political allies and his family members at the expense of the Albanian public’s confidence in their government institutions and public officials.”
Азербайджан вклинился на территорию Армении, Ереван обратился к Путину и ОДКБ riafan.ru - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from riafan.ru Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo has had a virtual meeting with Philip T. Reeker, Acting Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs at the US State Department.
The Foreign Ministry said they agreed to continue building on the strong cooperation between the two countries, including the fight against organised crime, money laundering and terrorist financing.
They also discussed regional issues, including stability in the Mediterranean, irregular migration as well as the situation in Libya.
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“The violation of Armenia’s sovereign territory by Azerbaijani troops is a dangerous and illegal act of aggression that underscores the sustained threat that the Armenian people continue to face,” the senator said in a statement. “After my conversation with Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.S. earlier today, it is clear that the United States, and the international community as a whole, must respond strongly to this incursion so Azerbaijan understands it will face serious consequences for its malign activities.”
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Armenia on Wednesday accused Azerbaijan of launching an incursion into its territory, warning of rising tensions in the region as the two countries continue to grapple with fallout from an outbreak of fighting in October.