Sergio Fajardo: From Fear to Hope

EULEX deployed

After months of delay and diplomatic wrangling largest European Security and Defence Policy operation - EULEX has initiated its deployment yesterday. For better or for worse it took a lot of time, effort and patience to get things moving, but they are moving and one can hope that this mission will offer greater access to justice to the people in Kosovo no matter their ethnic background.
Initially expected to deploy mid July, then end of November, EULEX managed to do it on 9 December 2008. What were the reactions on the ground. Not much. Belgrade, while got its way and ensured a UN umbrella for the mission as well as "status neutrality", whatever that means for the EU where majority of Member States have already recognised the new entity, did not celebrate it or welcome it, it was a news item framed in the perception that we got the best deal. Kosovans on the other hand, got much less enthusiastic since they were before. Population felt deceived by the move back on the commitments that Kosovo government made for the implementation of the Ahtisaari plan and the legislation that set up among others inter ethnic policy force.
But EULEX is vital and long a due. European police officers, custom officials and judiciary experts will allow this country to move closer to the establishment of proper and functioning borders, resolution of sensitive crimes related to the restitution of property rights, war crimes, North of Kosovo will move from long lasting lawlessness.
Therefore big welcome to EULEX and lets wait and see what the biggest ESDP mission will manage to achieve and build as a sustainable result for a very fragile reality in Kosovo.

Tzipi Livni in the EP

Acting Prime Minister of Israel and elected Leader of the Kadima party Tzipi Livni was visiting European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs. Few quotes from the meeting and few general notes that caught the ear of attentive listener.

"Peace negotiations with Palestine are bilateral and discreet. Until there is no final agreement, there is no agreement."

"Both sides do not want to have an imposed peace agreement."

"I decided not to enter the blame game. It is easy to use an excuse or for me to say we stop negotiating because terrorist attacks on Israel continue. Israel will not do that. But for Palestinians settlement development should also not be an excuse."

"Perhaps you can tell me the miracle solution. We do not have one. When the terrorist organisation from the Gaza strip attack us you can not solve it easily. There is no way of having a surgical operation that wont affect people living in the area. It is a war and in a war unfortunately civilians suffer."

"Israel keeps the humanitarian situation as it is needed. We can switch of electricity in a day, in a minute, but we do not do that."

"Government of Israel sticks to Annapolis commitments and does not build settlements and does not confiscate land from Palestinians."

"Current agreement with the EU is a small step in the right direction bringing Israel closer to the EU."

Over all Madame Livni left a very strong impression of an excellent speaker, shrewd politician and a person that does believe in what she says and is willing to make it work this time.

Who started it and who will finnish

Mumbai, India and the World was shaken by the events that unfolded last week. It is horrendous to imagine that attack was specifically aimed at causing as much as possible human lives and capturing foreigners that are visiting Mumbai or living there. It happened so that delegation of the European Parliament was also there. The fact that I was able to put the face of MEPs and one of my colleagues being in the middle of this turmoil, makes me uneasy. But what about those that lived through it or have lost their loved ones.

Another terrorist group claimed responsibility. Indian officials however through accusations in the direction of Pakistan. Pakistan strongly denies.

Spark can start a fire, what can be started when two nuclear states rediscover their animosities, which their respective armies have never really buried too far.

A conspiracy theory would say that those that planed this attack have played on the "good old neighbourly" hatred in order to spark a broader conflict and destruction that could follow should the pieces lay well on the board.

Interesting interview with Pakistani President can be found in FT today, linke here.

Serbia moving forward

Serbia for better or for worse recently has been the best worst friend of the European Union in the Western Balkans. European Union leaders without too much of hiding were discussing what outcome they would prefer in the elections that took place in the country in May. Later on the same leaders were quick to take some credit for being instrumental in ensuring victory of the democratic forces.
Few months in the job the new pro-EU government received another present, in the recent progress report of the European Commission, Serbia was encouraged by suggesting the possibility for the country to acquire the candidate status in the EU in 2009 should all the conditions be met. Conditions are: cooperation with ICTY and efficient implementation of the existing laws to fight corruption and organised crime. Same progress report is not so generous to other Western Balkan countries. Is this another case for double standards? Or did EU decision makers finally found a solution for the riddle of instability in the region?
Answer to this is not straightforward, but clearly many elements to the answer can be found in the recent history and the role Serbia plays in the region. Break-up of Yugoslavia had painful consequences for the country. From the leading position that country had in the centre of regional power, Serbia became the “biggest looser”.

Serbia is the largest economy in the region and also the most influential political player as long as it is able to get its act together and agree internally. Recent political reconfiguration in the Radical circles in the country allowed some breathing space for the democrats and it also offered a chance to step up its efforts for greater integration in the EU. Road to the EU is not going to be quick and rosy, but it is the only road forward for the country that needs to rebuild its dignity, pride and increase living standards for the majority of the population.
European Union is right to offer so much incentive, because time has shown that if there is instability in Serbia, there is even more instability in the Western Balkans.

Kosovo is still a big elephant in the room, but even there it seems that things are moving. UNSC today will discuss the so-called “6 points plan” proposed by the Secretary General of the UN. It is based on the face saving measures for the Serbian government, which in principle won’t change much for reality on the ground. Kosovo is independent and while in public everyone opposes this fact, the same people also in private acknowledge that there is no way back.

Serbia remains to be critical for the stability in the region. This time around there is a real chance for greater progress while looking ahead to the future, instead of being soaked in its turbulent past.

AHMED RASHID on Afghanistan and Pakistan

Following memo is a coverage of the lecture that Mr. Ahmed Rashid has given to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly that have met in Valencia. Mr. Rashid published an article in Foreign Affairs that one should definitely read - see link.

“Taliban is winning but it can not win. NATO is loosing, but it can not loose.”Taliban can not take over the cities and establish their control over any significant territory. NATO can not loose due to the extensive presence of troops, but it can not eradicate terrorist groups and insurgency.
Interference by neighbouring countries, poppy cultivation, drug trafficking and non-functioning governance does not help the settlement of problems in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has a huge impact on the development of situation in Afghanistan. Little has been done to achieve greater economic and political reforms in the country. One was able to witness the raise of Pakistani Taliban instead. Previously these groups were coming from Afghanistan into the bordering tribal areas seeking for a shelter. Now it has become an area of activity. Arguments for this were sought in the growth of its ambition and purpose of the need of establishing a sharia state in Pakistan. Military - civil relations are not functioning in Pakistan, two clusters of the elite have different perception of threat. Pakistan is not prepared for tackling the terrorism threat. Army sees India as a major threat and the civilian government believes in the raising threat from home grown terrorism groups.
Tribal areas are under continuous scrutiny and pressure is mounting on Pakistani to exercise greater control and reach out by the central government, so far this strategy has not brought sufficient progress.Pakistan is facing this situation due to:- War in Iraq- Failure of nation building strategy- NATO has arrived too late - Instead of empowering government, warlords were empowered, which hindered its development- NATO has two big shortcomings to its strategy in Afghanistan: - national caveats that are extensively abused by the Taliban, since the information on those are equally available to NATO forces, media and Taliban;- No regional strategy and little understanding of the role that neighbouring countries are playing.
Surge in Afghanistan should not be only the surge of troops, but rather a comprehensive surge that would increase support to Afghanistan in numerous strategically important areas. Need to start a major international dialogue to lead regional reconciliation, which could be brokered by the UN. We need a multiple diplomatic initiative in the region. Afghanistan will not be solved without the regional political and economic strategy.
Economic under development, has a great influence for the drafting of new terrorists and insurgents from the broader region surrounding Afghanistan. It currently seems as if NATO has to talk to Taliban because it is weakened and not capable to hold the ground it took charge of in the country. Any show of weakness will be received by Taliban as a proof that dialogue is not in their interests and that their actions in Afghanistan bears fruit.
Elections in Afghanistan must happen. Credibility and legality of the entire Western presence will be in serious doubt. Failure to organise elections will spur a dire crisis on the national level in Afghanistan. Election requires much more preparations and work, with massive security installations. International community should avoid sending blurred message on the future, it has to be strong and decisive. There is an opportunity with the new American administration, but efforts need to be made straight away. The heat is on.
It is essential that in Pakistan international community backs the civilian government. The government makes a strong effort in rectifying mistakes of the past made by the military regime. There are very few tools, except engaging with the military. Easing the tensions with India is very important, since this would calm down the military and focus will be given to the terrorism threat that is growing. Indian presence in Afghanistan is rather problematic for Pakistanis. Interference in each others relations for India and Pakistan has a long tradition which is done by both sides. One of the biggest under achievements in Afghanistan is the failure of the international community to rebuild the infrastructure. Making Afghan economy work is a complex process and it will not happen overnight, but without infrastructure it won’t happen at all. Investment in roads, electricity, and water is absolutely necessary.
United States have had success in their targeted attacks in the Pakistan territory. There is nevertheless a massive civilian casualties, which in the long term might become not sustainable. There is a lot of unease in the tribal areas and within the Islamabad. Most missile strikes are aimed at Al Qaeda, but also Taliban leaders living in tribal areas. Unless the Pakistani army is serious about taking seriously the Taliban that is present in Tribal areas, US might continue the strikes. The current reactions from the Pakistani government were more for the public consumption protesting against such moves, while on the other hand there is a clear understanding that government is quite happy with the results of those strikes.
If Obama makes a good link between Pakistan and India conflict in Kashmir and its resolution, this can have a positive impact on the situation in Afghanistan. If India does not engage US and Pakistan, then it might soon end up having a border with the Taliban and it is clear that Delhi does not want that to happen.
Al Qaeda is making 10 times the money Taliban is making, because they are selling and trafficking drugs to the West, while Taliban makes rather limited distribution. However it is clear that there is a mechanism for sharing resources between the two. Taliban recently discovered the communication and media, which confirms that resources are there.
Pakistan Intelligence Agency is fully dependent on the military. They have expanded greatly and are involved in policy making. Liberals in Pakistan are astonished to see Mullahs from the villages of Pakistan allowed to the UK by the government. The policy of allowing these Mullahs in is not very helpful, since this was further isolating and closing the Pakistan communities and making them more religious and consequently more extreme in their views. Europe is not serious about the threat it is facing. The cells of terrorist groups have multiplied in their number in the EU states. Al Qaeda has also increased their language capacities, being able to teach their supporters in French or German.
Afghanistan should be the priority for Europe, maybe much more than for the US. Many governments in the EU, are hiding from their responsibility in the region.
Iranians don’t have the dialogue with Americans. There are fears in Iran, that Afghanistan soil will be used to attack Iran. Dialogue between US and Iran is necessary, because Iranians do not like the Sunni Taliban, but they feel that if US attacks Iran, then Taliban can be useful in pushing back the US troops before they enter the Iran border.If there can not be settlement on the issue of nuclear non-proliferation between US and Iran. Maybe discussions can be held on Afghanistan. This could be possible and in interest of both sides.
Expansion of Afghani army is necessary, it is critical to build further their capacity in order to have some more sustainable security situation. Afghani police is often considered to be on the wrong side. They are not supporting the public, but instead harass the population. There is often infiltration of Taliban in the police force.

Expectations and change

Obama should win. That is the view held by most Europeans. It turns out to be that if Obama would run in number of EU countries he would have a fair chance of winning as well. So is it a change we can believe in or expectations that have been raised to breathtaking heights?

Being a better match for Presidential position after the G.W. can not be that difficult, but running the USofA in a truly "different" way might be beyond the capacity of one person, no matter how attractive his personality, abilities or determination is. Will "Obama-mania" infect or disaffect? This we will have to wait and see, one thing is clear though Europeans need to scale back their expectations. Obama will be different, but at the end of the day he is defending and promoting the interest of the US and therefore some tensions are going to be unavoidable. Crucial areas to watch will be obviously trade talks, Afghanistan and civil liberties vs security.

With another day to go before the elections. I still believe that "YES, WE CAN!".

Georgia and what can one do about it

EU leaders have gathered to the first emergency summit since the "September 11". Then EU Heads of States have expressed its solidarity with American people and committed to fight against terrorism by all means necessary. Current Presidency conclusions make few frown. The summit on Georgia produces results that are well appreciated in Moscow. I wonder if this can constitute a success. However it represents the unfortunate reality. Some journalists were saying that the summit is a success, because during the press conference strong words were used, the text postpones any discussion on Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. But one should not be fooled. PCA will continue, though in the format of the agreement approved in 1998. Conclusions speak about the cross-roads for EU-Russia relations. Last time I checked cross-road lead to many directions, so here again we have not faced the dead end of our partnership, but simply a reflective crossroad.
EU-27 is not one country, neither one voice or one geopolitical reality. EU-27 remains EU on paper and 27 different realities where one needs to compromise and as one wise politician said: "Speed of the herd is determined by the slowest sheep". If I were in Kremlin, I would probably raise a glass of champagne for the EU and wait for Presidency and the Commission to visit, where promises will be made, not delivered and no one will be able to anything about it.

Of course there is another point of view to the situation. One were success of the Summit can be judged by its long term outcome. One could say that the aim of the summit was not to alienate Russia, but to constructively address the problem, while offering Russians a way forward. Will see if this strategy will work. No one could have imagined that Russia could invade Georgia, maybe we will all be surprised that Russia will actually leave it.

still about Georgia and what can one do about it

Last few posts, I tried to share the picture of situation in Georgia by the words of my good friend who has just recently returned to live in Georgia from Brussels. I guess as conflict drags on it would be interesting to share few of my own observations about this conflict.

First and foremost the reaction I got on August 8 was a feeling of deep shock and unease. Human suffering has no nationality or flag to wave, it leaves scars on the faces of children, women and men alike. I naively believed that after Europe emerged from the rubbles of war the lesson was learned. There is no winner in wars, but there are so many loosers.

In the eve of 8/8/8 events I have finished a book by Edward Lucas "The New Cold War". Economist journalist in his book was sharing his thoughts on the evolution of Russian Federation as he saw it with his own eyes. It was like a daydream to wake up the next morning to realise that this book has not merely analysed the trends in Kremlin, it took a snapshot of what sort of individuals are steering our big neighbour to the East.

Helpless allies

Georgia was left alone. Alone with the agressor in the front yard. I must emphasise that one can not justify "restoring constitutional order" by military means, especially if this involves shelling the capital of the breakaway region. Democracies dont go to war, but do democracies engage non democracies, even if one can win the moral argument on territorial integrity and sovereignity? EU politicians called it reckless falling into the pre-laid trap. But the fact that the trap was pre-laid does not diminish the fact that someone still had to step into it. Unfortunately to many this was done by the decision of Georgian President.

The crucial part of further developments is not terrible error of judgement, but non-controlable and conscious disproportionate response. It is mad to believe that one can "force the warring party into peace" by military invasion, burning of villages, killing civilians. In the face of this attrocity Georgia was left on its own, with the West trying as hard as it could to get its act together.

EU and OSCE Presidencies were betting on cease fire. One can negotiate on conflict resolution and settlement, but only once the killings are prevented. Deal was secured, at least thats what it seemed like, but it was followed by extremely curious response. History of modern diplomacy will in detail analyse the response after signing of cease fire. Russian President signed it, then said he did not sign the right document, then re-signed it, then found lapses how military presence in a sovereign country can be retained.

In the face of such unceremonial disrespect for international agreements, Kremlin put itself beyond the realm of internation community and its principles of interaction. This provided the US administration and EU had no means to end the bloody confrontation. No one wants to escalate the conflict further and involve NATO countries military force in the region. But Georgian sovereignity has to be defended, but how can its democratic allies do that if the other conflicting part does not play by the same rules.

Will further add to this article few thoughts on Media wars and Kosovo as an example

Russian troops out of Georgia - NOW!

Another letter from a friend in Tbilisi.

21 August





Dear friends
few more infos to keep you updated:

- These days the websites which are created to present the opinion about the conflict, as it is seen from Georgia (not just from the government) are under non-stop "cyber attack". We basicaly can not keep any new webpage alive for more then a day or two.
(see more http://www.crn.com/security/210003057 )
Moreover, we struggle to present our opinion and comments in the webspace in general and in particular inside the large social networks such as "Youtube", "Myspace" etc. Two days ago I personally tried to comment videos from the conflict zone and my comment was "lost" in few minutes among 20 immediate new comments which were (obviously!) stating totaly opposite to what I wrote, accusing and insulting. What is interesting is that many of those who "comment" present themselves as Americans and Europeans... The efforts of these online "watchers" who try to neutralize our opinion are not just well planned and coordinated but they also hugely outnumber our voices.

- For those of you who were asking me previously about more specific facts and the visual part of the current zone occupied by the Russians, I am forwarding you this link below:
http://www.mod.gov.ge/2008/bombing/bombing-E.html

Finlay - the Russian Army is still in Georgia. Neither they go home and nor they seem to get prepared for any move. According to the agreement that was signed by the russian president they should not be here by now, but they are. The mere presence of armed people on the tanks especialy if they were shooting at you earler, is a scene I wish nobody to eperience but additionaly to this it is a second time that the Russian airforce deliberatly set fire to the national park in the south of Georgia, near Borjomi... As a result the region of Georgia, which is situated hunders of kilometers away from all conflict zones, which is just a well known Spa area and nothing else (apart from being a possible area for the winter Olympics ) protected internationaly due to its unique climate, is now severely damaged by the fire... Thanks to thermo bombs used by the russian helicopters :(

(see more http://www.fire.uni-freiburg.de/GFMCnew/2008/08/0820/20080820_geor.htm )

I do not want to say that the worst is still to come... but with the encouragement from the russian government, the two breakaway regions of Abkhazia and south Ossetia now applied to Russia, requesting the recognition of their independence from Georgia. It seems that the russian army has got new but very concrete aims in Georgia now.

STOP RUSSIAN AGRESSION in GEORGIA NOW!!!

Another email from a friend

15 August

By this time on Friday 15th August:
- Russian navy, tanks and ground forces are still in Georgia. They keep Central and the big part of Western Georgia and the Port of Poti under occupation;
- Few hours ago Russian military helicopters started bombing the south of Georgia, the bordering territories of the City of Borjomi (many of you have heard or been there as it is famous for its Spas) and settlement of Tsemi using incendiary munitions, weapon prohibited by the international convention; Absolutely no explanation Why?
- Saakashvili after 5 hours of negotiation with Condoleezza Rice signed the Sarkozy's peace initiative document (2nd time, I'm afarid!) which has to be signed now by Medvedev; You may ask why they are signing this cease fire agreement again?... well, we all thought that Medvedev signed the document earlier this week but it seems he did not!! Now, they (EU-USA) hope that signature from Medvedev may be more reliable guarantee that Russian army will start leaving the Non-conflict regions (at least!)
- It is more then one week we in Georgia are unable to receive any post from abroad. The reasons are: Sea Ports are blocked by the Russian navy and the foreign air companies are not given enough security guarantees from the Russians to fly to Georgia, so everything is on hold... Today I was told by the Georgian express post administration that they do not even know when the communications will restore.
- Yesterday and today more journalists were attacked, arrested or wounded by the Russian army: Yestrday Georgian journalist was shot in hand by the sniper during the live interview; Journalist from the Israel news agency is shot in chest and is in bad condition in the hospital; Georgian correspondent of Reuters was arrested today and then beaten, he was trying to film the movement of the Russian tanks in Western Georgia, later on after the negotiations he was released.
- Georgian tv channels keep on receiving phone calls and text messages from people who are witnessing the numerous incidents of rape and torture of georgians in the Georgian villages around south ossetia occupied predominantly by the paramilitary groups of Cossacks (from the South Russia);
- Still no safety corridor is provided by the Russian army for the Georgian officials and doctors who are trying to collect the bodies of civilians killed in Tskinvali in the South Ossetia and the city of Gori around 4-5 days ago. Only today, the head of Georgian orthodox church was allowed to enter the city of Gori with few monks and nuns... but they obviously are unable to collect the bodies of the victims. No other person is allowed to enter the zones occupied by the Russians.

Message from Georgia! STOP RUSSIAN AGRESSION NOW!

Another email from a dear friend...

13 August

Now regarding the situation from yesterday till today - SADLY, but the SITUATION IS TERRIBLE HERE AND NOBODY YET KNOWS (see below!). DEAR FRIENDS IN REALITY THERE IS NO CEASE FIRE in GEORGIA!!!
- Sarkozy's cease fire agreement was singed yesterday by the Georgian and Russian sides and 5 Presidents from Poland, Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania were expressing their support to the Georgian state in Tbilisi yesterday;
- In parallel to above mentioned, Russian Army NOT only did no stop its aggression but advanced even further deep into the central Georgia and completely OCCUPIED the city of Gori and up to 15 of Georgian villages around South Ossetian region!!!
- ALSO, most probably the dirtiest and the worst part of the Russian plan so far - Several thousands of ARMED mercenaries from the Southern Regions of Russia (Cossacks!!!) and Ossetians entered the city of GORI and up to 15 Georgian villages and carried out mass killing, rape and destruction of the Georgian population. This massacre started around 2a.m and continued until this morning!!! RUSSIAN REGULAR ARMY BLOCKED THE ENTRANCES TO THE CITY AND THE VILLAGES AND DID NOT LET GEORGIAN POPULATION ESCAPE!!!
- Several journalist groups who filmed everything on the camera this morning, were arrested and all their belonging is confiscated! Turkish journalist by miracle escaped the death but their cameras, cars and other equipment was taken away by the Rebels groups.

Those of you who feared that the International involvement won't go any further than Politically correct statement were RIGHT!!! THERE IS NO CEASE FIRE in REALITY and IT SEEMS THAT RUSSIA IS NOT EVEN THINKING TO STOP MASS KILLINGS!

Now, about my feelings - I am angry and I feel helpless but still can not imagine to give up!
Do I blame my own 'dear' government? - Yes, I do, because they do not seem to be very wise or careful.
Do I blame Georgian president or the government in what Russians are doing to my homeland - NO, because ONCE AGAIN, I have to say that this IS NOT A WAR FOR South Ossetia or Abkhazia, WE EXPERIENCE RUSSIAN OCCUPATION! As simple as that!!!
Finally, I feel devastated horrified that so many Innocent people are dead, that so many young solders from all sides were forced to execute stupidity of their commanders, BUT please do not believe that this war WAS or IS initiated by Georgians or Ossetian people. This is not true! Our disaster ( in the Caucasus in general ) has one name (in many forms throughout last 300 years) - Russian Empire, Soviet Republic of Russia, Russian Federation! This is the real cause and nothing else and all other nations who managed to escape this evil know what I am talking about!
And what makes me feel really sick is the "Real-Politik" of the "civilized nations"...Hypocrisy which is so hard to accept that it simply hardens your feelings and senses,..



p.s. right now, literally some minutes ago, RUSSIANS attacked 3 ships in the port of Poti and they are destroyed. Can someone tell me WHY?

Message from Georgia! STOP RUSSIAN AGRESSION NOW!

E-mail from a friend in Tbilisi:

10 August

Now about the general situation. Last 3 days entire country is under non-stop bombardment from the Russian airforce. I lost count to how many places they have attacked and how many they have destroyed... and seems this is not enough for them, as from this morning Russian warships have deployed near ports along the Georgian Black Sea coast, including Poti, where Georgian shipments are being blocked.
Cities and towns of: Poti, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, Senaki, Marneuli, Kodori, are under bombardment despite the fact that ALL of them are 200-300km away from the conflict zone of South Ossetia!
Major Black Sea port of Poti (which is a commercial enterprise and nothing more!) was bombed twice during last 2 days!
City of Gori (which is near the conflict zone) is totally destroyed, hundreds of innocent people are dead and the number is increasing...
City of Tskinvali (the capital of South Ossetian region) does not exist any more!
And starting from yesterday, all Georgian villages around the region of Abkhazia are under non-stop bombardment from the air jets and HELLicopters.

I have no intention to discuss the causes and development of the two regional conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as I believe that mistakes were made from all sides but NONE of these two conflicts has anything to do with Russian Occupation which we are experiencing right now.

Please be aware that We are not fighting with Ossetian or Abkhaz people now. We are attacked by Regular Russian Army!!! Up to 300 tanks, dozens of air jets and thousands of ground troops are deployed in Georgia and massive reinforcement is on its way from wast Russian land!

Just a week ago I left Brussels and moved to Georgia... honestly, I do not regret a second. For someone from outside it may seem crazy and very dangerous to be in Georgia right now, but not for me; not for us living or planning to live here!
Every bloody second I see and hear horrible things happening around, I see so many young and innocent dead and I'm very worried... of course I'm worried but I'm happy that I am not just an observer sitting in a cozy corner.
It's hard to explain in words but there is this amazing feeling in the air here, a feeling of absolute unity around just cause, solidarity toeach other and strong belief that we can not be conquered anymore...no more!
Last days we also felt that we are all alone against this monstrous military machine that keeps on advancing but I see that things started to change. The only reason that we still exist on the map is obviously not because of Mr.Putin's soft heart and generous nature but because of international public opinion. Yes, we, Georgians can resist aggression but we can't stop Russia alone, but together with you, all of us - Can!

Today we are organising massive protest march at 20:00 in the city centre of Tbilisi and all our supporters will do the same in different parts of the World (mainly in front of Russian Embassies!). I am not expecting miracles but I do not want to give up. I do not know what future brings but I want to believe that I will still be able to host you in this small but free country.

Thank you all once again and Hugs from Tbilisi

11 August

I once again have to say - Thank you to you all my dear friends, for all your support and phone calls and everything. You can't imagine how much it means to me and I am so lucky and happy having people like you around, thanks a lot.
As I promised some update, here you go with some news by this time :
South Ossetia is COMPLETELY under Russian military control;
City of Gori was bombed again;
About 50 Russian air jets are controlling the sky of entire country;
Georgian president already signed the document about ceasefire which will be taken by the French Foreign Minister to Moscow today, but it is already known that Mr.Putin is not willing to sing it;
Russia do not hide its intention to annex two large regions of Georgia and change the current government with the pro-Russian one;
Up to 10 000 new ground troops have been deployed in western Georgia from the Black Sea and the major city of ZUGDIDI is under russian military control now;
Tomorrow French president Sarkozy is expected to arrive to Tbilisi...I'm glad and hope that it is not too late :(

Many of you were asking me how you could help us in this situation and I would like to tell you how:
Please, spread the news about the situation in Georgia among your contacts, through your networks;
Please, tell the world that Russia does not protect Ossetian or Abkhaz people but step by step it occupies Georgia!
Please, express your opinion about the aggression and help us to increase international pressure on Russian government to stop military aggression;
Please, inform as many people and organisations as possible about the situation here.

Russia tries to win the information war too, blocking all news but their own and feeding their own people with unbelievable lies in order to motivate soldiers to fight on the foreign land and to prevent anti-governmental public opinion. Almost every Georgian website which demonstrated photo and video materials, evidences of Russian atrocity from the conflict zone has been hacked and destroyed. Without your help we can not tell the truth to others and most importantly to Russian people. Help us to deliver the message please!

12 August

More updates and info my dear friends:
- Yesterday Russian military forces TOGETHER with Abkhazian rebels occupied more towns and villages in the West of Georgia;
- City of Gori was bombed several times today (the buildings of Central market, University and the Central Post Office are burnt)
- Few hours ago Russian airplanes attacked the building of hospital near Gori, which caused the death of doctors and a little child there;
- Also few hours ago Russian bombers hit several journalist groups from Reuters, Journalists from Greece and the Nederlands, as a result Dutch camera man was killed and the georgian driver of the Greek group is seriously wounded;
- Some time ago Mr.Medvedev said that military operation is stopped HOWEVER Russian ground forces are simply on stand-by mode and are controlling almost 1/3 of the country!!! At this moment only ground forces count up to 60000 Russian soldiers; Port of Poti is surrounded by Russian navy and hundreds and hundreds of heavy millitarty unitrs, tanks, and other bloody machines are deplyed all over the country!!!
- Russian foregn Minister Mr.Lavrov said that they have prevented the genocide of South ossetian people and all actions were meant for Peace and Stabilization in the region... what can I say?...
- In few hours we are orginising huge march of protest with the hope that European governments will take firm and adequate stand towards Russian occupation.
- Presidents of Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Ukraine and France are expected to be here in Tbilisi every hour to join the protest march!
- Now, finally, the phone lines and mobile connection is very busy these days due to obvious reasons therefore No surprise that those of you who tried to call me since this crisis, have experienced difficulties.

It is obvious that Russia, even after the cease fire, plans to remain and later on annex both breakaway regions of Georgia (Abkhazia and South Ossetia) as it was the main purpose of this aggression!
Moreover, Russia tries to block ALL information outgoing from Georgia and presents the situation to its public as it suits Mr.Putin's government. Again, no surprise that Russian public so far expressed very little dissatisfaction with the brutality of their Army.

I am once again grateful to all your support and I once again kindly ask you - Help us in spreading the message:
GEORGIA DID NOT ATTACK SOUTH OSSETIA WITH THE INTENTION TO HARM ANY CIVILIANS THERE;

GEORGIAN MILITARY FORCES OPENED FIRE ONLY TO ARMED OSSETIAN-RUSSIAN FORCES AFTER TWO WEEKS OF CONSTANT BOMBARDMENT OF THE GEORGIAN VILLAGES;

RUSSIA NEVER INTENDED TO HELP ETHNIC MINORITIES IN GEORGIA, RUSSIA INTENDS TO FINISH GEORGIAN SOVEREIGNTY!!!
HELP US TO PREVENT RUSSIAN AGGRESSION!

Western flattery ignores the dark reality of Russia

Excellent article published in The Financial Times yesterday.

Western flattery ignores the dark reality of Russia
By Garry Kasparov
Published: July 10 2008 18:21 Last updated: July 10 2008 18:21

Recently we have witnessed a flurry of high-profile and contradictory statements on the Russian state. In a role reversal, Russia’s leaders have been abnormally candid while several prominent western politicians and pundits have lavished undeserved praise.
Russian president Dmitri Medvedev was bold enough last week to state that democracy is irrelevant to the Group of Eight leading nations. It is sad to see that some of Europe’s leaders seem to agree with him. He also accidentally told the truth by saying that while political competition could be a good thing, it must be “competition correctly built”, a phrase of which George Orwell would have been proud.
Despite broad acknowledgement that our March presidential elections were neither free nor fair, Terry Davis, the Council of Europe secretary-general, recently expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Medvedev. His comments about “growth” and “progress” make it clear that, to the council, the importance of liberty and democracy in Russia is inversely correlated to the prices of oil and gas. Such behaviour helps legitimise fraudulent elections and the dictatorial regime that runs them.
It is a pity for Robert Mugabe Zimbabwe does not enjoy a surplus of oil and natural gas. Without those assets his election victory is denounced as a sham and nations around the world call for him to be ousted. At this week’s G8 summit, George W. Bush, US president, denounced Mr Mugabe while sitting next to Mr Medvedev, whose hold on power is similarly counterfeit. The Russian security services’ methods are more subtle than machetes but our democracy is no more real than Zimbabwe’s. The European fantasy appears to be that oil revenue and designer boutiques will magically turn Russia into a real democracy. Oil wealth is nearly always a curse on human rights, not a blessing. Louis Vuitton and Cartier are not going to do the job that the so-called leaders of the free world have abdicated.
In a recent opinion article, Henry Kissinger asked that the US “give Russia some space”. Space to create a new class of political prisoners, to loot the country, to bully our neighbours? Is that what brought down the Berlin Wall and ended the cold war? Is it only my dictionary that fails to distinguish between “appeasement” and Mr Kissinger’s use of the word “engagement”?
After eight years of being given plenty of space, Mr Putin and his team of well-trained oligarchs have assembled an efficient machine to move the wealth from every corner of Russia into private hands. While I hope and believe that the people of Russia are capable of standing up for our rights, it is unhelpful to our cause when the west provides the Putin regime with democratic credentials or acts as though democracy is, to use Mr Medvedev’s word, irrelevant.
Instead of listening to those who are eager to stay in the good graces of the Kremlin, listen to Russia’s leaders after eight years of Mr Putin’s total control, years in which the price of oil rose 700 per cent. They speak with the candour of impunity. Mr Medvedev has said the biggest problems facing Russia are “endemic corruption and a dysfunctional legal system”. Just days ago finance minister Alexei Kudrin shared the thought that “a growth spurt in the economy of central Russia would lead to the collapse of the railway and transportation infrastructure”. These statements do not come from opposition “extremists” such as myself. (“Extremist” being the tried-and-true label of choice for anyone who disagrees with the regime.)
One glance at the headlines is enough to separate western fantasies from Russian reality. Savva Terentiev, a musician from Syktyvkar, 1,500 km north of Moscow, just received a one-year suspended sentence for a sarcastic blog post criticising the local police. The Russian security matrix is moving into the virtual world.
Or take this note about our vaunted new middle class. An EU-Russia Centre survey has found that 50 per cent of Russia’s best-educated and most prosperous citizens would emigrate if they could. The top reasons were instability and danger from law enforcement. Some 83 per cent said they did not believe they had the ability to influence the political direction of the country. It seems I am not the only one who would like to live in the Russia of which Mr Davis and Mr Kissinger speak so fondly. It is a shame it does not exist.

The writer is leader of the Other Russia pro-democracy coalition and a former world chess champion

China and its foreign policy

Last week, I have had a privelege to attend the interesting training course on "Chinese Foreign Policy". Number of thoughts that came out of these facinating three days.

China in many ways is not a country that can be covered by conventional wisdom or usual definitions. This is due to its size, history, culture and regime. This is not an excuse for making an effort in this direction, it is just a warning in order to avoid making generalisation, since for a country that is a home for 1,3 billion people, making generalisations is rather tricky.

Peoples Republic of China (PRC) since its establishment in 1949 has had different periods in its approaches to foreign relations or external influences for that matter. From outright rejection of any interference to the full embrace to the so called first stage of socialism, which is market capitalism.

PRC foreign policy doctrine seems to be build on the acknowledgment that XIX - begging of XX century was a century of humiliation, that has reduced, undermined and weakened the country. This is put in contrast to the prospect of creating a functioning socialist state. Chairman Mao has offered to the PRC the 5 principle of peaceful coexistence that are still at the heart of Chinese Foreign policy doctrine:

- mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty

- non aggression

- non interference in internal affairs

- equality and mutual benefit

- peaceful coexistence

These principles were framed in the concept of anti-hegemonism, not following the US way, which often is described as interference into internal affairs of others, coercive action, double standards. As well as the notion that PRC should act in order to represent its credo as a "Responsible major power".

As a matter of fact in various political and not so much discourses China is seen as a rising power, sometimes a threat, sometimes a global player. This is true due to inevitable global economic influence that comes with the opening of the market. China is currently is the 4th largest economy in dollar terms and has surpassed the US as the world's biggest carbon emitter. China is not a democracy, and its Communists party wants it to stay that way, well at least not the democracy that "hegemonic" powers propheting. Chinese foreign policy think tanks have suggested that maintaining a somehow positive image in international affairs is a strategic necessiry for China and therefore within the country, the recent economic developments are referred to as a "Peaceful rise/development".

PRC is indeed going global in comparison to 1970 Chinese index of globalisation has rocketed from 18 to 63 points (100 being most globalised economy). This inspired a lot of talk about Chinese interventionism and almost like an occupation of African continent. During the training we were presented with a few statisitcal evidences that prooves these prejudices not entirely correct.

China - Africa trade and investment

• China is Africa's 3rd largest trading partner after US and France


• arms market, Chinese arms comprised - 14% of African arms imports, beind major Western European countries - 21% and Russia 18%.


• Africa is about 3% of Chins's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)


• China comprised only 1.3% of total FDI flows to Africa in 2006, behind India, Singapore, Malaysia, but Chinese FDI flows to 40+ countries, India only to 7

It must be mentioned that China has no principal problems to cooperate with any government in Africa as long as it is good for business and profitable venture in the long run. This is not exactly the approach Western world would like China to take, but is it working for the Western companies anyway? If you compare thousands of barrels per day are being produced in Africa, by which companies, you could find Exxon, Total, Shell followed by Chevron in the lead. 3 Chinese companies together produce as much output as Shell alone. Is this another example of duality of truth or hipocricy?

Finally, a little thought about the role of China in major international institutions. One fact is clear that since Chairman Mao China involvement within international community has grown exponentially. This growth represents the interest and committment to maintain a postive image of the country and to be part of the process that involves or influences China in one way or antoher. Choosing to be part of the process does not mean being active in every part of it. For the analysis that exists, China was rathre passive and observant member in the institutions, willing to stay at the sidelines and not to contradict too much on variety of approaches other players might take. With the possibility to use veto in UNSC, China has exercised it very rarely and only in the cases were the question of Taiwan was involved in one way or another. The strategy behind that is that alleged Chinese dragon wants to present itself rather like panda, as this is clearly necessary to lure the interenational community from all of the deficiencies this regime in China represents.

G8 is meeting this week and today in major newspapers there is a talk that Great8 is not so Great without China, India and Brasil. Soon the world will put its eyes on China and Beijing Olympics, I will follow with particular interest the openning ceremony and the seating arrangements for the heads of states, after all this is one of the few occassions where leaders of DPRK and France might sit not too far from each other. Should be a lovely picture. China is everywhere on our lips, in our pockets in the maps and strategies.

Lets make it clear Peoples Republic of China is not a democracy, it violates human rights on a daily basis and sometimies with ruthlesness of an unimaginable scale, it is plagued with corruption and its stance on relations with Taiwas or Tibet is to say the least is worrying. But if one wishes to engage with PRC, this is the country that understands the rule of the game and is willing to play it by its own rules. After all with such a size and growing economic importance, China may soon dictate rules rather than consider abiding them set by the others. It is a facinating country which, I recommend anyone to discover and more people to understand. I am still extremely puzzled by what I have learned and I think its still far far away from understanding it.

This article is based on the extencive lectures given by the professor Iain Johnston

Don't give up on BELARUS!

28 September 2008 is a date for the elections in Belarus. The last dictatorship in Europe will have its moment of fragility and yet again there are hopes for change. Can it change and what to expect...

One of the political groups in the European Parliament has organised a Belarus week. An occasion to meet with opposition leaders and discuss their impressions of the current situation and plans for the future. Few points to give one an idea of the situation:
- 61% of the Belorussian population believe that elections are held in a democratic fashion
- International debt (especially to Russia) is reaching cosmic levels
- Few of prominent opposition politicians are imprisoned
- Recently "Parliament" has approved legislation for Internet censorship
- Press, TV and Radio is a mere tool of state propaganda

These facts are neither new, nor surprising and it still seems that Europe is ready to swallow it, or rather interest of the neighbouring EU countries does not make a shift in the policy of the European Union as a whole. Visa restrictions on high officials have not made a difference. Lukashenko is still in charge and seems to be willing to do his best to stay that way, preparing his son to take over.

What is the mood of the opposition politicians?

Opposition is united or wish to portray themselves being united. It reminds me of a sand castles during the storm... no matter how beautiful they look, they are extremely fragile. So they are. Milinkevich while being rational and peaceful in his rhetoric's is far from inspirational politician (probably that is why he leads the "united" opposition. Some say it is not good to have electoral lists prepared and political agenda not. Others claim that political agenda will appear only once freedoms are reinstated. However there seems to be an overarching agreement that opposition needs a "message". Hearing this word from politicians that do not speak or understand English, unintentionally made me smile. Message that can be understood and that can mobilise those that don't mind the "guy with moustache" in Minsk. Message that can make people within the administration consider whether in the long-term perspective Luka regime is such a safe bet?
More experienced politicians speak of the need to work hard and campaign before elections, while participating in them with united list. Young politicians sound much more militant, they speak of the need to boycott the elections and go for major street protests and civic dissent.
As a nation of brilliant chess players people analyse the moves that "enemy" will make before the polling day, there are a few:
- in the electoral districts were opposition has one united candidate, to nominate only independent candidates, that would not endorse the regime officially and like this undermine the claims of opposition that regime is pressuring them
- organise a referendum on the Russia - Belarus unified state and like this steal the thunder from legislature
- budget of the state medias was increased by 10 million US dollars on the electoral year, citizens get ready for praise the leader session 24/7

Finally, what Europe can do for Belarus?

Don't give up on Belarus. It is a country of 10 million Europeans that believe in European integration even if they appear to be on the other side of the fence. Help to maintain alternative media, provide free Internet points in the country, encourage cultural, educational exchanges, speak to Minsk and insist on the violations of HR, freedom of assembly, release of political prisoners. Don't give up on Belarus!

Impressions of political kind

December is an important moment for the relations between the EU and Russian Federation. In 2007, the active Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Russia and the EU - which both sides agree has become outdated and is no longer able to meet today’s challenges - is due to expire. The forthcoming elections to the State Duma on the 2nd of December 2007 will set the tone for the future development of the country and will undoubtedly reveal few possible scenarios with regards to the succession of the current President.

EU-Russia PCA

The Partnership and Co-operation Agreement (PCA) forms the contractual basis of EU-Russian relations. It was concluded for an initial period of ten years that ends in December 2007. The question of the future of EU-Russian relations is likely to dominate the bilateral agenda next year and is of great significance for the development of the relations in the medium to long term.

The EU and Russia have essentially three basic options when considering the post-2007relationship. First, there is the possibility of abandoning the PCA without replacing it with another agreement (highly unlikely option). Secondly, the parties could allow the PCA to continue after expiry (this will occur automatically unless either side takes steps). Finally, the EU and Russia could conclude a new bilateral agreement to replace the PCA.

Probably the most beneficial option for both EU and Russia is a new agreement that would reinforce and potentially strengthen the widely acclaimed, strategic partnership. Although it has to be acknowledged that high level officials from EU or Russia alike admit that perspectives for a possible new legal framework of EU-Russia relations beyond 2007 remain unclear.

For both sides it is clear that the new PCA is not aiming at an eventual Russian EU membership and therefore the strategic aims to be set for such a reinvigorated partnership could contain elements of a greater economic integration and political dialogue. The idea that has emerged after the various meetings is that a new "PCA+" could be the formula for the future of EU-Russia relations. Exact definition of the "+" might become a matter for the future negotiations. Energy, enhanced free trade co-operation that takes into consideration of a possible Russian accession to the WTO are one of the few priority matters to be addressed by the possible new legal framework.

Not surprisingly when it comes to the general population in the Russian Federation the main interest and priority for the EU-Russia co-operation is clearly vested in the visa free regime.

There is some cautious optimism in the possible shift of the EU-Polish relations and settlement for the disagreement over the suspension by Russian authorities of meat import from Poland.

Elections to the State Duma

Decision of the President Vladimir Putin to head the list of the "United Russia" for the elections has escalated discussions over the future of Russian democracy and succession of the President. "Putin plan - victory for Russia" has unified the administrative resource and the entire bureaucracy from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. Stability is the key message offered by the United Russia and it receives a sound support from the population.
It is apparent that the biggest concern for the Kremlin is attendance. Ensuring high turn out to the elections seems to be the major pre-requisite for the successful election for Mr. Putin.

You do not have to be a prophet to say that only 4 parties will succeed to overcome an immense 7% barrier for the election to the State Duma: The United Russia, Communists led by Zyuganov, Liberal Democrats with Zhirinovsky and Just (fair) Russia with a "former" ally of the President Mironov.

In order to participate in the elections, parties like Yabloko or Union of Right Forces have paid a deposit of 60 million rubles ($2.34 million). Deposits will be returned after the poll to all the parties that gather at least 4 percent of the vote. It is probable that the threat of loosing the deposit and then having to reimburse the cost of pre-election broadcasts will create serious problems for the parties concerned.

Recent decision of Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to cancel its observation mission to Russian Federation due to delays and restrictions for its work has further raised concerns over the democratic nature of the elections. Russian authorities instead have confirmed participation of Parliamentary Assemblies of the Council of Europe and OSCE along with the representatives from the Parliaments of CIS and other countries.

Conclusions

The upcoming half a year are of great importance for the future of the Russian Federation and clearly for the perspectives of EU-Russia relations. Partnership and Co-operation Agreement as it expires in 2007 leaves the economic, social and cultural co-operation in a robust shape, whilst political relations are probably at its lowest point in the history of bilateral relations. Ability to close the gap between the EU economic interest and political realities in Russia, will pose a major challenge for a future of any agreement.
It is apparent that in the long-term perspective interdependence between European Union and Russian Federation will grow and therefore it requires a sustainable settlement that takes into consideration various aspects, like deteriorating nature of democracy in Russia and increasing demand for energy supplies from the EU.

Economic growth in Russian Federation spurred by the growing oil prices have been providing the authorities with a high approval rating. It can be acknowledged that in the past years there was substantial economic development throughout the country. Some analysts speak of the emerging middle class, while others are concerned by the almighty bureaucratic apparatus. Addressing the growing poverty gap, challenges posed by internal migration, deteriorating demographic trends are just a few of the issues that have come up in various meetings and will further pre-occupy Russian authorities. EU-Russian co-operation can offer incentives for change in the Russian Federation. Advancement of the co-operation on the consensual matters should neither become a hostage of the political disagreements nor should it be an excuse to abandon political dialogue on problematic matters of the relationship like human rights and political freedoms.

The decision that was taken by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) should receive a clear political support since it gives a pertinent evaluation of the conditions set for free and fair elections in the Russian Federation. If ODIHR is not able to fulfil its mandate there are doubts of how honourable Parliamentary Assemblies will achieve it. Attention should be given to the situation of the opposition political parties in the Russian Federation in the aftermath of State Duma elections. It is not excluded that artificial legal and financial barriers created for them to participate in the political - democratic process might bring them to the eventual disintegration.

Overall one should never forget that while one might disagree with the positions that the Russian government takes, there can not be any generalisation that affect Russian people. As this is by the efforts of the Russian population that this country will find its path to the future.

Re-visiting the United States

Washington is a beautiful city in many ways. I saw it now in various seasons and I must say that it is one of those places in the United States where European could feel comfortable. At least, I do.
ALDE decided to visit the US in order to explore perspectives of transatlantic co-operation and get the feeling or at least a vague idea what the possible change of US administration could offer for Europe. We visited quite prominent institutions and met with decision makers at various levels: Department of State, Department of Defence, National Security Council, Think Tanks and Democratic National Committee. Few important observations to share:

- Iraq is the biggest single political matter that dominates majority, if not all, political debates on external policies. Arguments of this debate would lead to a certain general floating agreement that War in Iraq is not going to an end, it doesn‘t have a substantial progress and largely it requires rethinking of US role and presence in general, while securing, if that at all is a possibility, some sort of stability in the country and the region.
- New administration in the White House will be exposed to a major challenge of how to finish the war in Iraq during the first term in office and hope for re-election and new foreign agenda in the second mandate (success of moving out of Iraq will be a key to the second term, whoever becomes a President).
- In this context European Union will have to reflect on its role in Iraq. Surely refusal to invade Iraq, which was wisely made by number of European countries will be confronted with the discussion on whether EU is willing to contribute to cleaning up „the mess“ and contributing to stabilisation of Iraq and the region at large.
- It was clear from various meetings that relation between EU and US that were rather frosty in the past few years experience renaissance with the change of leadership in few of the EU countries (Merkel, Sarkozy, Brown).
- Many Think Tanks have elegantly indicated that new US president will be a democrat with the skirt, since if economy continues in free fall and Iraq casualties will grow, there is no way that Republicans will be able to mount strong opposition.
- Democrats seem to be unanimously afraid of Mit Romney as the only Republican who is credible and potentially able to raise the Republican voters base.
- New administration will not be 100% different in its approaches to external policies no matter who is in charge, there is of course a much greater possibility for revival of multilateralism if Democrats take charge, however both parties would defend one thing – national interest.
- Europe will be remembered and will be asked to make a stronger contribution to securing peace be it Iraq, Afghanistan or Middle East at large.
- As a final speculation or rather an expectation one might add the reference that one prominent Democrat has made to the possibility of US reviewing the nuclear non-proliferation treaty article 6 that refers to the need for gradual move towards nuclear disarmament.
Overall it was an exciting few days, looking into the US from inside and listening to the Washington whispers and shouts. One thought was continuously appearing in my mind. Observing tranquil, almost provincial streets of Washington and walking in the green alleys and parks of Georgetown, I could hardly visualise that in this city politicians have the possibility to decide on the destinies of people living in the countries with names that most citizens would not pronounce not to mention place on the map. Ignorance is a bless, but are Washingtonians aware of the impact that building on Pennsylvania avenue have and whether how many of those are willing to share this privilege, but most importantly responsibility.

Learning the lesson the hard way...

Some people are trying their bestest to be nice to the others. Going an extra mile in order give better service or provide a more extencive help. Those people are not too numerous, but they exist, but then sometimes not only your help is not appreciated, but you are considered to be stupid and you are taken advantage of...
It seems like one needs to follow new rules:
- Do what you are told and if you are not told do not do
- Problems that do not end up at your table are not your problems
- Follow the procedure no matter whether you are wasting your time, energy, efforts and motivation
- Do not try to find sollutions, when you are not responsible for the problem

I am sure many of us could add to this list, but then again, I used to carry a good quote from Mother Theresa in my wallet that goes like this: "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

New British PM and "young" foreign secretary

News today heralded the new cabinet of long "wanna be" PM and now the PM, Gordon Brown. Brown chose well, with the style, I must say...
Striking somewhat good balance between reliable confiances and new faces, he also managed to introduce feminine flavour into the serious portfolios like home affairs.
FT on the 2nd page today speaks about the "young" foreign secretary David Miliband, who does look young, but hey average life expectancy in UK is not 100, so he is kind of a middle aged man, even though surely an interesting figure to observe in the future... apparently his brother had nothing to do as well, so he also has the job in the cabinet, Ed Miliband and will be responsible for coordinating policy (don't know what that could be) additionally cabinet will feature husband and wife... Mr. Balls and he will deal with children and schools, while his wife Yvette Cooper will take care of the housing...
Sometimes in my country people are saying that we live in the Republic of Nephews and Uncles... meaning positions at the top are given away on the basis of blood or family ties, it seems like together with Lithuanian immigrants and their labour our small nation contributes to cultural adjustment in the governmental circles...