OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) Astrid Thors visited Moldova from 23 to 25 May 2016 to discuss issues including the draft integration strategy developed with HCNM’s assistance to the Bureau for Interethnic Relations, relations between Chisinau and the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia, and the education of national minorities. The High Commissioner also visited Tiraspol.

In Chisinau, the High Commissioner discussed the draft integration strategy with Prime Minister Pavel Filip and other interlocutors and encouraged the Government to fulfil without delay its commitment to adopt the strategy. “Adoption of the integration strategy will underscore the Government’s commitment to promoting an inclusive, diverse society,” said Thors. “Even more important will be the strategy’s implementation. I am ready to assist the Bureau for Interethnic Relations in this process.”

The High Commissioner praised the parliamentary decision in November 2015 to establish a permanent joint working group between the Moldovan Parliament and the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. She discussed the functioning of the working group with its co-chairs, Member of Parliament Elena Bacalu and People’s Assembly Member Gheorghii Leichu, Speaker of Parliament Adrian Candu, and the Bashkan of Gagauzia Irina Vlah. Thors encouraged the working group to be fully utilized as the primary platform for discussing issues related to the functioning of the autonomy so that questions that may contribute to tensions can be successfully addressed.

With Minister of Education Corina Fusu, the High Commissioner discussed implementation of the Education Code and the effect of education reforms on schools teaching in minority languages, including optimization of the school network and new procedures for the selection of school directors. “Having heard from national minority representatives that education is a primary concern, I encouraged the Minister to ensure that national minorities are consulted when implementing reforms,” she said. The High Commissioner noted with interest the adoption of a new programme to improve teaching of the State language in minority-language schools, remarking that it provides an opportunity to expand multilingual education as a tool for integration.

The High Commissioner met members of the Council of Ethno-Cultural Organizations in Chisinau and with the Transdniestrian de-facto authorities and civil society representatives in Tiraspol. She visited the Theoretical Lyceum Alexandru cel Bun in Bender and learned about the practical difficulties the school faces in maintaining its operations as a Moldovan-administered school teaching in the Latin script. Thors welcomed the active efforts of the OSCE Mission to Moldova and the German Chairmanship of the OSCE to find sustainable solutions for the Latin-script schools among other issues as part of the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, and noted the anticipated resumption of talks in the 5+2 format, which she discussed with Deputy Prime Minister on Reintegration Gheorghe Balan and Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev.

The High Commissioner also met with Deputy Prime Minister on Social Issues Gheorghe Brega, Director General of the Bureau for Interethnic Relations Oleg Babenco, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lilian Darii, and representatives of civil society and the international community.

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OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) Astrid Thors visited Moldova from 23 to 25 May 2016 to discuss issues including the draft integration strategy developed with HCNM’s assistance to the Bureau for Interethnic Relations, relations between Chisinau and the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia, and the education of national minorities. The High Commissioner also visited Tiraspol.

In Chisinau, the High Commissioner discussed the draft integration strategy with Prime Minister Pavel Filip and other interlocutors and encouraged the Government to fulfil without delay its commitment to adopt the strategy. “Adoption of the integration strategy will underscore the Government’s commitment to promoting an inclusive, diverse society,” said Thors. “Even more important will be the strategy’s implementation. I am ready to assist the Bureau for Interethnic Relations in this process.”

The High Commissioner praised the parliamentary decision in November 2015 to establish a permanent joint working group between the Moldovan Parliament and the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. She discussed the functioning of the working group with its co-chairs, Member of Parliament Elena Bacalu and People’s Assembly Member Gheorghii Leichu, Speaker of Parliament Adrian Candu, and the Bashkan of Gagauzia Irina Vlah. Thors encouraged the working group to be fully utilized as the primary platform for discussing issues related to the functioning of the autonomy so that questions that may contribute to tensions can be successfully addressed.

With Minister of Education Corina Fusu, the High Commissioner discussed implementation of the Education Code and the effect of education reforms on schools teaching in minority languages, including optimization of the school network and new procedures for the selection of school directors. “Having heard from national minority representatives that education is a primary concern, I encouraged the Minister to ensure that national minorities are consulted when implementing reforms,” she said. The High Commissioner noted with interest the adoption of a new programme to improve teaching of the State language in minority-language schools, remarking that it provides an opportunity to expand multilingual education as a tool for integration.

The High Commissioner met members of the Council of Ethno-Cultural Organizations in Chisinau and with the Transdniestrian de-facto authorities and civil society representatives in Tiraspol. She visited the Theoretical Lyceum Alexandru cel Bun in Bender and learned about the practical difficulties the school faces in maintaining its operations as a Moldovan-administered school teaching in the Latin script. Thors welcomed the active efforts of the OSCE Mission to Moldova and the German Chairmanship of the OSCE to find sustainable solutions for the Latin-script schools among other issues as part of the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, and noted the anticipated resumption of talks in the 5+2 format, which she discussed with Deputy Prime Minister on Reintegration Gheorghe Balan and Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev.

The High Commissioner also met with Deputy Prime Minister on Social Issues Gheorghe Brega, Director General of the Bureau for Interethnic Relations Oleg Babenco, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lilian Darii, and representatives of civil society and the international community.

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• High Commissioner Thors, in her OSCE Permanent Council address, discusses country engagement and highlights the increase in hate speech targeting national minorities

As part of a one-year project to support the engagement of national minority youth and civil society in public discussions and public service, a roundtable discussion was held at the OSCE Mission to Moldova on 24 June 2016.

The event brought together 23 representatives of the Moldovan Parliament, the authorities of Gagauz-Yeri, civil society and the international community to discuss institutional dialogue between central and Gagauz authorities.

Independent researchers from the Comrat-based NGO Piligrim-Demo presented a recent report detailing the joint commissions formed over the years to initiate dialogue on the implementation of Gagauzia’s status as an Autonomous Territorial Unit. They outlined their recommendations for improving the functioning of the current working group established between the Parliament of Moldova and the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. 

“Such discussions on the process of dialogue between civil society, the expert community and members of the Parliament and People's Assembly are important as they provide critical input to the process and build common understanding of issues,” said Jale Sultanli, Country Manager Moldova of the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI). Participants from Comrat and Chisinau welcomed the opportunity to study past and present practices to strengthen co-operation between the central and regional authorities in Moldova.

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Pop star and actress Lady Gaga reportedly has joined the Season 2 cast of "Wednesday," multiple media reports said.

Alongside Jenna Ortega on season two of Netflix’s big hit.

Mama Monster joining the cast of Netflix's Wednesday just makes sense.

Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully in Scotland on September 8. The crown passed to her son, Prince Charles, who took the throne name Charles III. His name is translated into Russian as Karl III, which is due to historic peculiarities of name translations. Elizabeth II and Boris Yeltsin Despite the fact that Elizabeth II ascended the throne back in 1952, the Queen was in no hurry to pay an official visit to the Soviet Union and then Russia. Her historical trip to Russia took place only after the collapse of the USSR. On October 17, 1994, Elizabeth II landed in Moscow. First deputy chairman of the government, Oleg Soskovets, welcomed the Queen. Directly from the airport, they went to the Kremlin in a royal Rolls-Royce, where Russian President Boris Yeltsin was waiting for them.

As part of a one-year project to support the engagement of national minority youth and civil society in public discussions and public service, a roundtable discussion was held at the OSCE Mission to Moldova on 24 June 2016.

The event brought together 23 representatives of the Moldovan Parliament, the authorities of Gagauz-Yeri, civil society and the international community to discuss institutional dialogue between central and Gagauz authorities.

Independent researchers from the Comrat-based NGO Piligrim-Demo presented a recent report detailing the joint commissions formed over the years to initiate dialogue on the implementation of Gagauzia’s status as an Autonomous Territorial Unit. They outlined their recommendations for improving the functioning of the current working group established between the Parliament of Moldova and the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. 

“Such discussions on the process of dialogue between civil society, the expert community and members of the Parliament and People's Assembly are important as they provide critical input to the process and build common understanding of issues,” said Jale Sultanli, Country Manager Moldova of the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI). Participants from Comrat and Chisinau welcomed the opportunity to study past and present practices to strengthen co-operation between the central and regional authorities in Moldova.

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• OSCE Mission to Moldova trains lawyers from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River on addressing discrimination
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• Psychologists and professionals working with domestic violence victims trained at OSCE-supported events in Moldova on both banks

As part of a one-year project to support the engagement of national minority youth and civil society in public discussions and public service, a roundtable discussion was held at the OSCE Mission to Moldova on 24 June 2016.

The event brought together 23 representatives of the Moldovan Parliament, the authorities of Gagauz-Yeri, civil society and the international community to discuss institutional dialogue between central and Gagauz authorities.

Independent researchers from the Comrat-based NGO Piligrim-Demo presented a recent report detailing the joint commissions formed over the years to initiate dialogue on the implementation of Gagauzia’s status as an Autonomous Territorial Unit. They outlined their recommendations for improving the functioning of the current working group established between the Parliament of Moldova and the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. 

“Such discussions on the process of dialogue between civil society, the expert community and members of the Parliament and People's Assembly are important as they provide critical input to the process and build common understanding of issues,” said Jale Sultanli, Country Manager Moldova of the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI). Participants from Comrat and Chisinau welcomed the opportunity to study past and present practices to strengthen co-operation between the central and regional authorities in Moldova.

Related Stories

• OSCE Mission to Moldova trains lawyers from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River on addressing discrimination
• OSCE Mission to Moldova strengthens professional skills and civic engagement among young people from both banks
• Psychologists and professionals working with domestic violence victims trained at OSCE-supported events in Moldova on both banks

Las efemérides del primer vuelo al espacio y del desastre nuclear de Chernobil, cuyo 50º y 25º aniversario, respectivamente, se recuerdan este mes en las repúblicas de la antigua URSS, marcaron el punto álgido y el hundimiento del poderío tecnológico soviético

Universal sues Believe, a music distributor in over 50 countries.

The five suspects arrested and charged for attempted murder and robbery in the near-fatal dognapping claim they didn't know the pet they stole belonged to the chart topper.

I also use Drapbox… Photo courtesy of Bryan Lunt. Charm found in Japan. 

Having won Grammy awards in 2009 for Best Dance Recording
monster isport headphones with the song “Poker Face” and Best Electronic/Dance Album for The Fame, Lady Gaga bagged a total of 6 Grammy...

The 59th Grammy Awards was held in Los Angeles, California.

Modi announces names of four Indian Air Force pilots from whom the final crew will be selected

This was part of the Gairdner Foundation’s announcement of its 2024 Canada Gairdner Award winners

‘All the systems for the Gaganyaan rocket - codenamed G1 - will reach SDSC in November this year and the target for the rocket flight is December’

Narang said the sports science team, under the leadership of renowned sports injury expert Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, is a never-before support for the Indian athletes.

‘Flying to space is now accessible to ordinary citizens who haven’t been part of a military environment,’ space diplomat Susmita Mohanty said

'I am very much overwhelmed by this great moment happening and I am very happy to share this excitement with my wife.'

Having won Grammy awards in 2009 for Best Dance Recording
monster isport headphones with the song “Poker Face” and Best Electronic/Dance Album for The Fame, Lady Gaga bagged a total of 6 Grammy...

The singer reportedly sought advice from LA-based trainer Harley Pasternak to transform her physique, and hired LA-based chef Jason Harley as she's 'not a fan of cooking.'

Pop star and social media powerhouse Lady Gaga encourages her millions of fans to support Yoko Ono's Artists Against Fracking campaign in New York.

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The sixth studio album from the 'Stupid Love' singer was initially set to make its debur on April 10, but got delayed due to all that going on during the global coronavirus pandemic.

This is Sample Size, our weekly new music feature with KOSU's Ryan LaCroix and LOOKatOKC music critic Matt Carney. Today, Matt plays new music from Crying , Randy Newman , and Lady Gaga . Follow Matt & Ryan on Twitter at @mdotcarney & @KOSUryan .

On Saturday, Global Citizen will present the all-star concert "One World: Together at Home," to air on CBS, NBC and ABC. It has already raised $40 million for the WHO.

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Special grade steel plates have been procured from the Bhilai plant of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) to be used in the launch vehicle.

ISRO is already working on a Humanoid prototype (with a female form)for the Gaganyaan missions, which is expected to be sent out on a mission next year to test it out before actually sending humans in space.

The Union Minister also said that the upgraded configuration in Chandrayaan-3 will make the spacecraft more robust in terms of design and it will also have an enhanced spacecraft capacity without compromising with the heritage of Chandrayaan-2.

The proposals have been sought by the Directorate of Human Space Programme of the Bangalore-headquartered ISRO for a total of 18 tentative technology development areas.

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Co-operative Group Food Ltd v A & A Shah Properties Ltd [2019] EWHC 941 (Ch) A recent case saw the court wrestle with the difficulties sometimes encountered with guarantee provisions and the way in which they are drafted. The landlord A & A ...

Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Lizzo, Shawn Mendes and others sang classic songs brimmed with messages of hope and change during a TV special aimed at fighting the coronavirus, while Beyoncé and Alicia Keys spoke passionately about how the virus has disproportionately affected black Americans.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama, Lady Gaga, LeBron James and K-Pop band BTS are among dozens of celebrities and world leaders who will salute the class of 2020 in virtual U.S. graduation ceremonies replacing the traditional end of high school and college.

Stars including Beyonce, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones and Elton John took part in the concert

Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, a large media and entertainment law firm, appears to have been the victim of a cyberattack that resulted in the theft of an enormous batch of private information on dozens of celebrities, according to a data security researcher. The trove of data allegedly stolen from the New York-based firm by […]

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Shooting ace Gagan Narang, bronze medallist at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, will be our guest at Idea Exchange. Send us your questions.

The Heath Ledger-directed Modest Mouse video for "King Rat," released Tuesday, follows the animated adventures of a ship helmed by whales on the hunt for humans--harpoons and all.Ledger developed the video to draw attention to

"Her energy is contagious," says Rasika Dugal on being thrilled to tick 'working with Mira Nair' off her bucket list. The actor insists that the filmmaker is a class apart from other directors as she helms the six-part BBC series based on Vikram Seth's novel, A Suitable Boy.

Dugal, who has wrapped up her scenes in the series says, "Despite working for so many years, Mira has the enthusiasm [of a newbie]. She brings unexpected energy to an otherwise dull scene. Reading how the script will unfold on paper, is usually very different from the outcome. When she directs the scene, it's almost magical." She reiterates that Nair pushes boundaries with every actor.

"She has a child-like energy on set. She gives you a freehand [to perform], then designs it accordingly at her end. As an artiste, it is a surreal experience to be directed by Mira as she knows how to get the best out of her actors," says Dugal, who plays the character of Savita Mehra Kapoor.

Mira Nair

Dugal only has one regret. "I don't share much screen time with Tabu," she says, and hopes that the future yields more opportunities.

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