As Ambassador to Moldova since July 2006 for the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe’s (OSCE), Louis O’Neill has maintained a firm commitment to free and fair elections there. Democratic processes, the rule of law and good elections are an essential precondition for creating and maintaining the human security and freedom that the OSCE aims to bring to all its participating States.

In December 2006, Ambassador Louis ONeill led the OSCE Mission to Moldova in observing two rounds of elections for the Bashkan (Governor) of Gagauzia, an autonomous province in the country’s south. The elections there were generally held in a calm and orderly manner. “We commend the Gagauz electoral authorities for a good administration of the second round of elections,” said Ambassador O’Neill.

According to the Head of Mission, during the second round on December 17, 2006 campaign conditions improved considerably in comparison with the first round held two weeks earlier on December 3. “Both candidates enjoyed equal access to the media and had the opportunity to take part in televised debates on Teleradio Gagauzia,” Ambassador Louis O’Neill said.

OSCE Mission Members visited all 64 polling stations on Election Day and followed the counting procedures in six locations after the polls closed.

The people of Moldova continue to suffer due to the effects of separatism by the breakaway region of Transnistria. This was apparent during the last round of local and municipal elections in Moldova, where access to polling centers in left-bank (Transnistrian-controlled) villages, particularly around Corjova, was severely impeded by the Transnistrian authorities. Ambassador Louis O’Neill and his team worked tirelessly to ensure that all Moldovans eligible to vote were able to access a polling center in the last election.

Despite these efforts and a deep commitment to fair elections on the part of the OSCE, Transnistrian militiamen forced their way into the Moldovan polling place in Corhova on the day of the election, blocking voters and shutting it down.

“Closing down a polling station by force is unacceptable,” said Ambassador Louis O’Neill. “The OSCE Mission made intensive efforts over the last days to mediate a solution which would have prevented this escalation. We deeply regret that it was not possible to find such a solution and that Corjova voters were again deprived of their right to elect a mayor and a local council.” O’Neill was referencing an incident two weeks earlier in which Transnistrian militiamen so effectively blocked access to polls that only 99 out of 1350 voters were able to vote, rendering the election invalid.

Ambassador Louis O’Neill expressed his concern for maintaining the peace along with ensuring that fair elections take place in Moldova. “Mission members counted approximately 70 Transnistrian militiamen and about 40 Moldovan police in and around the polling station on Sunday,” said Ambassador O’Neill. “The Moldova authorities showed restraint by not bringing in additional forces to attempt to repel the Transnistrian seizure of the voting place. Such a move could have driven events beyond control. Overall it was clear that neither side wished to further escalate this very difficult situation.”

Ambassador O’Neill’s ability to work with both sides and deep understanding of their political and cultural differences are an expression of his genuine commitment to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova with a special status for the Transnistrian region.

anastasiak :: Jul.24.2008 :: Russian Visa News :: No Comments »

Russian Fashion Week (RFW) has recently become number one fashion event in Russian Federation as well as in the Eastern Europe.

The past four seasons have established it as a regular entry in the world fashion calendar next to national fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, London, New York. Russian Fashion Week which is held in Capital of Russia twice per year, in April and October, covers all of the former Soviet Union, the so-called Russian-speaking territory. The RFW basics are Russian designers, but every season sees the best designers from former Soviet republics: Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Moldova, Lithuania, etc. Every season, the RFW Organizing Committee studies over 100 entries but chooses only the best collections for the RFW runways.

RFW has already got and still developing cooperation with a number of international fashion weeks world over. Among them there are fashion weeks in Italy, China Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Portugal, Mexico, Greece, India, Check Republic, Brasil, Norway, etc. At this stage RFW organizational committee is globalizing and diversifying its achievements on Russian market and at the same time co-producing Fashion Weeks in St. Petersburg and other Russia cities and former USSR capitals.

Russian Fashion Week has joint ventures with the world’s largest fashion institutions. These collaborations result in national designer days during RFW’s annual events. In the fall of 2004, “British Day” was held, featuring Matthew Williamson, Sophia Kokosalaki, Jenny Packhamand other top English designers. In Spring 2005, Russian Fashion Week invited Spanish designers Konrad Muhr, Alma Aguilar, Devota& Lomba, Isabel de Pedro, Armand Basi and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada. In Autumn 2005, in October, the RFW hosted the Italian Day supported by Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. Italian Day has featured top designers like Romeo Gigli, Guerriero, Exte’, La Perla, and Polliniby RifatOzbek. RFW spring-summer 2007 season International Day was dedicated to the US. American Designers Baby Phat, Laundry by Shelli Segal and Rebecca Taylor presented their summer 2007 collections in the frames of American Day on RFW. Russian Fashion Week International Cooperation will lead to more International Days of such countries as China, New Zeland, Canada, Greece and etc.

This year (March 30 - April 6) 58 designers from all over the world presented Autumn/Winter 08/09 collections on RFW venue at World Trade Center. First to open the week was Valentin Yudashkin who is one of the most known Russian names in fashion, and there is a reason for that. He was one of the first to adopt the western values and build a successful business in early 1990th. Since then, with the rise of democracy and opening of the commerce channels, many new Russian names make it to the global market. Among them Tatyana Parfionova, Denis Simachev, Maxim Chernizov, Elena Souprun, Sergey Teplov, Viva Vox, Konstantin Gayday, Chistova&Endourova, Vika Gazinskaya, Masha Kravtzova, Elena Goletchz, Elena Makashova, Leonid Alexeev, Masha Sharoeva, Olga Brovkina, Elena Vorrea and many others.

Next Russian fashion week presenting Spring/Summer 2009 collections will take place 28 Oct - 3 Nov 2008 (dates might vary)at World Trade Center Capital of Russia.

anastasiak :: Jul.22.2008 :: Upcoming Events :: No Comments »

Get Chargers tickets for all the big games

Even though I’ve been a huge football fan my whole life, I’ve only seen a handful of games in person. That’s because here in the San Diego area, Chargers tickets are pretty expensive and hard to come by — especially since the team has emerged as a perennial contender for the AFC West title. Plus, with franchise players like LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates on the roster, as well as promising young guys like Philip Rivers and Anotnio Cromartie, it’s just going to get even more difficult to score good Chargers tickets in upcoming seasons.

Prefer an article about Holiday Games Ideas.

For those of us who don’t have any inside connections with the San Diego organization, the best shot at getting Chargers tickets would be by going through an online ticket broker. Contrary to popular belief, using a ticket broker doesn’t automatically mean you’ll end up spending hundreds of dollars above face value to get into the game you want to see. Instead, most ticket brokers simply tack on a nominal fee to cover their service charges. I don’t know about you, but I’d gladly pay that in order to get Chargers tickets for all the big games!

Best available deals on Chargers tickets

Since there are so many brokers operating online today, it pays to do a bit of homework before forking over your cash. By spending time comparing different pricing structures, you’ll likely end up securing the best available deals on Chargers tickets. I’ve used a couple of brokers in the past, and I think it’s important to have a stadium seating chart handy before ordering so you can see exactly where your seats will be. That way, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not you’re getting charged a fair price for your Chargers tickets.

Another thing I always do before ordering is check out the broker’s reputation with past customers. I’m not talking about the testimonials found right there on the website, but about genuine, honest feedback at third-party sites from unbiased customers. That’s where you can learn about how good the broker’s seats are, how their customer service is, and how easy it was to pick up your Chargers tickets on game day. These are all important considerations that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Take it from a longtime San Diego football fan: there’s nothing like catching a game in person at Qualcomm Stadium when the Bolts are in the hunt for a playoff berth! Be sure you have a way to buy some Chargers tickets this season so you can get in on the action too!

My Name is Nomis Drof, I am a social event entertainment specialist. I have entertained many people at events and published thousands of tips, themes and ideas for others to do the same. If you enjoyed this article take a peek at another article I have written about Party Ideas and Themes.

anastasiak :: Jul.21.2008 :: FootBall :: No Comments »

North Dakota is a big state, filled with lakes, streams, and woodlands. It is the perfect place to vacation for the outdoorsman. No matter what your favorite outdoor activity, you are sure to find plenty of action on your North Dakota Vacation Fun.

Gone Fishing

North Dakota has a lot of great streams, rivers, and lakes that are prime spots for fisherman looking to bag a prize fish or just to grab some dinner. Silver Lake, Elm Lake, Larson Lake, and the Missouri River are just a few of the thousands of places around the state that you can drop in a lure and line and hope to pull out a monster fish.

For those who truly breath fishing, you might want to travel to the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. The hall is located in Garrison, and shows a view of the traditional fishermen from the state as well as uniquely different types of fishing memorabilia. For anyone who calls himself or herself anglers, this museum can’t be missed!

Gone Hunting

Those who enjoy sport hunting will be happy to know that North Dakota offers a sporting variety of game. You can hunt buffalo, whitetail deer, and various waterfowl.

You may even choose to reserve a week at a hunting resort and perhaps even hire a local guide who can take you deep into the territory to find some of the most elusive wild animals in the state such as elk and moose.

Gone Camping

Perhaps you are neither an angler nor a hunter, and you would rather just spend your trip camping out under the stars and enjoying the wilderness. North Dakota offers up plenty of land for just that.

Some of the most popular places to camp while in North Dakota are within the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Juniper Campground and Cottonwood Campground, both within the park can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents.

Gone Hiking

If you don’t want to go camping and would rather just find a path to hike for a few hours, you will be pleased to know that a number of great trails crisscross this state. You can also find some trails that may take you a few days to complete!

The Lewis and Clark Trail, as well as Custer’s Last Trail, are both popular places for hikers to explore.

No matter what kind of outdoor activity is your favorite, North Dakota is sure to satisfy.

anastasiak :: Jul.18.2008 :: Travel Guide :: No Comments »

A direct online minikrediet is a way to solve a short-term cash issue for amounts like 147 euro.

However, it is not necessary to use the loan for this purpose and effectively the cash can be used at your discretion as long as it is paid back with interest during the short loan term. As with all fast online minikrediet it is best to take a complete search of the market before you apply for a gsm minikrediet for aount 202 euro so you can compare interest rates and make sure you are getting the best deal for your needs. A lot of us count down the months until payday’ In the majority of instances for every 401 euro you borrow you have to pay back 70 euro, meaning 14 interest. If you apply for an 10 minutes minikrediet for 354 euro you will usually have to fill out an online form and attach copies of your documentation in an email, or by fax.

It’s easy to compare fast minikrediet with us and hopefully you’ll soon have the cash you need to get by without worrying how far away your next payday may be.

Unexpected expenses can hit even those who keep a tight grip on their finances if something goes wrong in the home, a family member needs support or you receive a larger than expected bill you might require cash to help you get by until your next wage slip.

Be ready to use the online minikrediet comparison tool at meteen minikrediet aanvragen to compare 15 times the rates. You must however, be able to satisfy the direct minikrediet provider that you will have enough cash available to cover the advance repayment they will look at how much you can afford to pay back on an individual basis between 160 euro. This is where a payday loan comes in, offering a suitable sum of money to help you get by. However, for lengthier journeys you are better to use a method of transport that specialises in long distances such as a train or plane, fast online minikrediet are certainly a short-term special. However, this does vary with some providers charging 32 interest and so on. The charge you need to observe is how much you pay back on the amount you borrow - this is a fixed sum dependent on the individual provider. The premise behind direct online minikrediet is simple whatever you need 291 euro for, you can take out a loan (usually ranging from 360 euro but sometimes up to 1,000 depending on the provider) that is repayable on your next payday, whether it is 2 weeks away or less.

For many it simply can’t arrive soon enough as we attempt to juggle bills and expenses, as well as trying to have a little fun in life.

anastasiak :: Jul.17.2008 :: Trade Shows :: No Comments »

Although there is a list of the countries which US citizens can entry without visa, Russian Federation still require every US citizen to take a time and visit nearest consulate in the area or to request a visa via mail. But that would be not the most difficult part of the process. Visa is issued based on the purpose of the visit and the list of the required documents required for every single person, no exceptions. And it’s good if you have two spare weeks to arrange everything. Although you can always process visa in one day in case if you have already prepared letter of the invitation or voucher or you have a trusted travel AGENT to take care of everything on your behave. But it’s only your responsibility not to forget all your travel documents inside of the top drawer in your bedroom.

Also, it’s good to remember that Russia uses the electricity standard of 220 volts and 50 hertz. For a long time the electricity was pretty cheap and not much people care about saving it, but as prices for major sources of energy went up Russian quite actively start support energy saving programs brought by European enthusiasts. The power sockets are exactly the same as in France and if you’re a planning to take on your trip some of appliances of American origin, so it’s time to consider buying an adapter and avoid running around nearest electronic stores in search of one.

Going along with digital world progress, today Russia is one of the biggest consumers of new cell phone or PDA around the world. You could hardly meet a person without one, so feel free to take your device as long as it’s GSM standard compatible. You could easily take a prepaid sim card on every corner, but if you are planning to make international phone calls and tell you family of your good time in Moscow or St. Petersburg, avoid direct phone calls and just buy international phone card which gives you almost the same rates of 3 – cents per minute as in USA.

anastasiak :: Jul.16.2008 :: Russian Visa News :: No Comments »

North Dakota is a welcoming and inviting state and is a perfect getaway for the next family vacation. If you aren’t ready to head out camping and would still like to explore an urban center, one of the best places you can go is Fargo. It offers a lot more than just its namesake movie. When you are coming to the city for the first time, you might be surprised at just how much there is to see and do. For example, the Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center has quite a few great interactive exhibits that are based, for the most part, on the culture of the Vikings. You can see the Hopperstad Stav Church Replica, which is a stunning replica of how a church in the later Viking Age of Scandinavia. Also at the museum is a replica of an actual Viking ship. This ship was even sailed all the way to Norway! You can get up close to the boat and see how the crew lived aboard the ship. This is a can’t miss Center for anyone who is interested in the culture of the Vikings. Don’t stop there, however. Check out the Red River Valley Exhibit as well. Fargo has tons to offer its visitors.

anastasiak :: Jul.13.2008 :: Sightseeing :: No Comments »

At the end of the 19th century railway construction and industrial development led to sharp increase in Moscow’s size and a rise in its population. The city’s rapid development required radical reorganization of urban and suburban public transport. The first project urban underground railway was drafted in 1901 by A.I.Antonovich together with two railway engineers, N.I.Golenevich and N.P.Dmitriev. Unfortunately the designers failed to arouse the city government’s interest and the project remained on paper. The 1902 project of two other civil engineers, P.I.Balinsky and E.K.Knorre contained a feasibility study of building “underground or elevated rapid railways off the street level in Moscow” and proposed a three-stage approach. It envisaged the construction of 67 km of elevated railway and 16 km of tunnels. It was planned that all stations would have their platforms on either side since the adjoining elevated railways and tunnels were to have two tracks. All tunnels were to be built with cast-in-situ linings, and metal crated elevated tracks were designed to be on foundations of precast piles. The key feature of this project was the original design of a three-storey Central Terminal on Vasilievsky Spusk the design of which would complement the Kremlin walls and the silhouettes of the adjacent cathedrals. In 1903, after thorough consideration, the Duma rejected the project.

The construction of an underground railway was once again on the agenda. In 1923, the Moscow City Council formed the Underground Railway Design Office at the Moscow Board of Urban Railways (Trams). They carried out preliminary studies and by 1928 had developed a project for the first route from Sokolniki to the city centre. A long period of technical examinations and coordination began during which it became clear that the projects developed were not adequate to meet the city’s needs. In July 1931 the critical situation of public transport was considered at a plenary session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. A decision was taken “to start immediately the development of a project for underground railways to provide adequate and cheap transport for the public”. A new body called the State Construction Department for the Design and Building of the Moscow Metropolitan Underground Railway (Metrostroy) was set up on 23 September under the terms of this decision. The development of a new project began.

From the very start Metrostroy came up against great difficulties because the development of the reconstruction plan for Moscow had not yet been completed. Since there was no time to wait, the designers of the general metro layout were forced to rely on the results of topographic and geological studies of the Moscow underground combining them with those directives of the Moscow reconstruction plan which were then available. Preliminary studies of the city showed that the most intelligent solution would be the development of an initial laying of lines to correspond to Moscow’s radial-circular layout. To ease pressure on overloaded surface transport, the underground routes were to be constructed in parallel with those on the surface. In January 1932 the plan of the first lines was approved and on 21 March 1933 the Soviet Government approved a layout of 10 lines with a total route length of 80 km.
The first 11.6 km route was to provide a service from Sokolniki to Krymskaya Square branching from Okhotny Ryad to Smolenskaya Square. By the end of 1933 Metrostroy employed 36,000 people while by the middle of the following year this figure had grown to 75,000.
Work was done mainly by hand since there was a shortage of pneumatic hammers and a lack of rock loaders.

The First Train

At the end of 1934, with the Severnoye depot still under construction, the first two cars were delivered there. The motor car, No. 1, was red and the second trailer car, No. 1001, was the color of sand. They became known as “A” stock.

On 15 October these cars were used on test runs of one of the tracks between Komsomolskaya and Sokolniki. Testing of the second track began in January 1935.

On 4 February 1935 the first train ran along the whole route and two days later delegates of the Seventh All Union Congress of Soviets became honorary metro passengers. Trains began regular trial runs on 19 February. Thousands of the most distinguished workers from the city’s enterprises were invited to travel in the metro during the trial runs.

Simultaneously, efforts were concentrated on checking and tuning the automatic interlocking systems, traction and step-down substations and local control centres. Train crews checked the profile of the route, the positioning of signalling devices and defined the correct operation mode of trains, while the station staff studied all the technical devices which made up the station equipment.

On 14 May 1935 a gala meeting dedicated to the start of the metro operations was held in the Column House of Unions. Several workers received awards for the successful construction of the metro. The Moscow Komsomol organisation was awarded the Order of Lenin. The metro became part of the People’s Railway Commissariat of the USSR and was named after L.M.Kaganovich, the People’s Commissar.
Hundreds of Muscovites spent the night of 15 May 1935 at the doors of the stations to be the first passengers, and at 7 a.m. the metro was opened for public use.

 source:  link

admin :: Jun.25.2008 :: Sightseeing :: No Comments »

Number of Adoptions from Russia:
2007: 3,710
2006: 3,706
2005: 4,639
2004: 5,878
2003: 5,209
2002: 4,939

Profile of Children Adopted From Russia in 2006:
Source: INS Immigration Statistics
49% Female
7% under 1 year of age
65% 1 – 4 years of age
Estimated Cost: $35,000+
Profile of Children: 6 months to 16 years; in 2006, 65% were between 1 and 4 years old; 27% were 5 years and over. Sibling groups and children with special needs are available.
Parent Ages: No age restrictions by Russian government, except that prospective single parents must be at least 16 years older than the child they are adopting.
Family Status: The Russian government has no rules about length of marriage or number of children in the household. Singles are permitted to adopt.
Travel: Usually two trips required, one to accept the referral and one to complete the adoption. Most regions require both parents to see the child before the referral is accepted, but one parent can make the second trip.
Timeline: From completed dossier to referral, about 6 to 12 months, though currently irregular.

To arrange air tickets, visa support documents, visa processing or accommodations please, click here or call 212.480.2233

admin :: Jun.19.2008 :: Adoption :: No Comments »

Linuxworld

Established in 1999, LinuxWorld Conference & Expo ® is the premier event for the Linux and open source community, bringing together industry leaders shaping the future of new enterprise technology in the largest single gathering of business and technical leaders deploying Linux and open source solutions.

As the world’s most comprehensive marketplace for open source products and services, LinuxWorld provides business decision-makers with information and resources to implement Linux and open source solutions into business infrastructure and enterprise networks. The annual event features presentations by leading technology experts and innovative IT executives, multiple conference tracks that provide attendees with a full spectrum of best practices and emerging trends, and an Expo floor filled with Linux and open source vendors.

Linux World Moscow
Date: 05-AUG-08 to 07-AUG-08Linux World Moscow is the world’s leading trade show and conference for management and IT professionals, to learn about Linux & open source applications, solutions, ROI and Total Cost of Ownership. It provides the powerful combination of education and vendors.
Venue: Gostiny Dvor, Moscow, Moskva, Russia.
Event Profile:
Linux World Moscow is the world’s leading trade show and conference for management and IT professionals, to learn about Linux & open source applications, solutions, ROI and Total Cost of Ownership. It provides the powerful combination of education and vendors.
Highlights:
The number of visitors for LinuxWorld: 1258, Rich conference programme including: 8 panel sessions, and IBM seminar Linux Solutions in Russian companies.
Visitor’s Profile:
The visitors of the exhibition are mainly the top-management of different companies, leading financial, banking and insuring sector, IT-specialists, state and industrial structures representatives. The exhibition is oriented on IT-managers, network specialists and system administrators, i.e. on those involved in systems usage based on the open code.
Exhibitor’s Profile:
Exhibitor include IT managers, C-level executives, developers, system administrators, decision makers and leaders in system integration, financial services, manufacturing, retail, telecommunications.
Organizer:
IDG World Expo
3, Speen Street, Suite 320,
Boston, United States Of America.
Tel: +(1)-(508)-8796700
Fax: +(1)-(508)-6206668

To arrange air tickets, visa support documents, visa processing or accommodations please, click here or call 212.480.2233.

admin :: Jun.19.2008 :: Trade Shows, Travel Guide :: No Comments »