Stories from 8 February 2009
Ukraine: $5 Billion Loan From Russia
Ukrainiana writes about Yulia Tymoshenko's decision to borrow $5 billion from Russia.
Malawi: Of Election Fever and Going Digital
The week gone has been a politically hot one for many Malawians as they have seen their presidential and parliamentary candidates present their nominations papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission ahead of the May 19 polls. By the end of the exercise, about 10 have presented their papers and presidential candidates and several hundreds to compete for the 193 seats in parliament.
Armenia: Tax Lottery
Unsuccessful with punitive measures to prevent widespread tax evasion, the government of ex-Soviet Armenia has introduced a monthly national lottery based on an 8-digit number found on the back of sale receipts. From increasing sales to encouraging male customers to hit on female shop assistants, bloggers think the initiative to make businesses accurately report sales and pay taxes has the potential to prove a win-win situation for everyone.
Russia: Tension in Dagestan pressures Moscow
LJ user sunlike77 writes about [RUS] rising tensions in Dagestan as violence and human rights’ concerns increase, making it a major hotspot in the north Caucasus.
Russia-EU: Relations at a low
Russlandblog comments on [GER] deteriorating relations between Brussels and Moscow following Russia's war with Georgia and its gas crisis with Ukraine.
Russia: Reflections on Recent Murders in Moscow
An Anglophone blogger writes about high-profile murders that took place in Moscow this past week. A Russophone blogger describes the situation in the Russian capital in a morbid mock letter to "out-of-town relatives."
Ukraine: Victor Yushchenko's Popularity Waning
According to a poll carried out last month, Ukraine's president Victor Yushchenko “would have won less than 2.9% of the vote if the presidential elections were held in late December 2008 or early January 2009.” Below are some views on the president and other politicians from the Ukrainian blogosphere.
Russia, Poland: Economy Updates
Edward Hugh posts updates on the Russian and Polish economy.
