Russia expands military presence in Abkhazia and Southern Ossetia, EU concerned

Concern has been expressed by the European Union Presidency about the Russian Federation’s plans to build up its military presence in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia without agreement and consent of the Georgian government.

Such plans are seen, by the EU, as a “serious violations of the principles of Georgan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, to which the Eu s strongly committed”, says the newspress released by Bruxelles.

Building up of Russian military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia as a breaking of the August and September 2008 agreements, threatening to destabilise the region.

The European Union is then calling on Moscow to show its dedication to peace by giving up plans to enhance military presence in the area.

Where poverty hits the most

The whole world is experiencing a dramatic economical crisis, with heavy social consequences all over the planet. A crisis that is putting at stake the living of hundreds of million people, from wealthy and industrialized countries down to the bottom of the ladder. Where we find a country like Zimbabwe.

IPS, a communication institute active as news agency, has presented an astonishing report about the situation in this Southern African country, where some 75% of the people are living in what IPS describes as “desperate poverty, with children bearing the brunt.”

Transport fares for urban commuters change twice a day. Many workers are forced to camp outside working places, and go home at week ends only, because they cannot afford paying the daily transportation back and forth. Even middle class professionals like teachers find themselves in appallingly humiliating situations: “Where on earth – tells Raymond Majongwe, secretary general of the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe in the interview with IPS – have you seen a teacher who cannot afford to buy a pack of milk from his salary?”.

With all this going on, politicians and parties are engaged in meaningless struggles for the largest slice of power.  The power-sharing agreement signed four months ago still has to be implemented, talks are kept in a deadlock state. And things threatens to get worse and worse.