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.

Related Stories

• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities holds fifth regional summer school on multilingual and multicultural education in Central Asia
• Language rights, participation, security and access to justice fundamental to welfare of communities in Kosovo, says High Commissioner Thors
• High Commissioner Thors, in her OSCE Permanent Council address, discusses country engagement and highlights the increase in hate speech targeting national minorities

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.

Related Stories

• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities holds fifth regional summer school on multilingual and multicultural education in Central Asia
• Language rights, participation, security and access to justice fundamental to welfare of communities in Kosovo, says High Commissioner Thors
• High Commissioner Thors, in her OSCE Permanent Council address, discusses country engagement and highlights the increase in hate speech targeting national minorities

While Mando and Grogu are set to return in future Star Wars projects, The Mandalorian season 4 no longer appears to be one of them.

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Even as Apple continues its Safari privacy push, iPhone and iPad users who use Google Chrome are about to see several new features added to their browser of choice. Chrome will be receiving an upgrade to Google Lens, integration with Drive and Photos, improved Shopping Insights, and a more seamless way of finding a way around with Maps. With

The Hurricanes' defense struggled in their loss to Georgia Tech, but linebacker Jaylin Alderman and cornerback O.J. Frederique Jr. were two bright spots.

Approach messages from strangers with caution.

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Bluesky is having a very good week as some users abandon Elon Musk's X after the U.S. presidential election.

Instagram – When you take a screenshot of a photo from the app, users will get a prompt encouraging them to use the share function. 

StackOverflow – When you upvote an answer, a tooltip appears if you haven’t upvoted a question in a while.

Compañías de todos los sectores han mostrado su apoyo a través de donaciones de dinero, alimentos y materiales Leer

El 29 de octubre en torno a las 18.00 horas la Generalitat ya pidió a la Comunidad de Madrid la textualidad del mensaje ES-Alert enviado a la población madrileña el 3 de septiembre de 2023 Leer

Los equipos nacionales afrontan la última ventana, con Alemania y España ya clasificadas para cuartos. Leer

[New Zimbabwe] THE Harare City Council (HCC) has approved a US$548,1 million budget for the year 2025 with water and sanitation and road rehabilitation receiving the biggest shares.

Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual […]

Stephen Colbert spent the majority of his opening monologue on Wednesday night’s “Late Show” talking about President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet choices so far, including Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida as attorney general and Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence. “Almost eight years ago, we all saw [Trump] saunter down those Capitol steps, put his […]

The new organization isn't an official department. It is charged with working from the outside of the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance."

The post Musk & Ramaswamy tapped to head government efficiency effort first appeared on Federal News Network.

Apple appears to be turning its focus on the smart home market. #apple #smarthome #homehub #appleintelligence

It has a Quantec Room Simulator plug-in. #apple #finalcutpro #contentcreator

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The Stranger's morning news round-up. by Nathalie Graham

Windy in Washington: High winds swept across the Olympic Peninsula overnight. The gustiest gales reached nearly 70 miles per hour in Hoquiam. Winds remain higher than normal and Washington State Ferries says it could impact ferry rides today. If anything, the ferry rides will be bumpier than normal.

Rain, rain, rain: Soggy conditions continue to saturate Seattle. Don't think about when you will see a clear day again—it's not worth it. 

Moderate to heavy rain will continue to move into the region this morning as a strong system moves across W WA. Have a morning commute? Best to slow down and give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination. Rain will transition to showers through the day. #wawx pic.twitter.com/k2PrlLJE5Z

— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) November 13, 2024

Ashley's got some news you can use.

We’ll miss you, Dow: King County Executive Dow Constantine announced last night he would not seek a fifth term in 2025. It’s the end of an era for the county, which Constantine has helmed since 2010. During that time he’s championed funding transit, early childhood education, and housing. He also promised to end youth detention and close the child jail, which he’s kind of skipping out on. But all in all, Constantine pushed for pretty progressive policies and deserves a solid pat on the back for consistency and knowing that when you have power, you can just do stuff and make people accept the results. And you can get lots of haircuts. That’s cool, Constantine. Grab drinks with me and Hannah soon. 

But, onward: King County Council Member Claudia Balducci announced Wednesday she planned to run for Constantine’s seat. I rode around with Balducci ahead of her announcement on a little tour of everything she’s done for the Eastside, from her years as a Bellevue City Council Member to her time as Mayor and finally to her time on the King County Council. Balducci, a transit buff, plans to ride a train straight through King County’s glass ceiling and become the first woman to earn the title of King County Executive.

Thanks, Ashley! Back to the rest of the news.

Low voter turnout: Washington state had the lowest voter turnout this election since 2000. According to the Seattle Times, fewer than 78% of the state's registered voters cast a ballot. That's down significantly from the 84% of people who voted in 2020.

Kum & Go? More like Kum & Gone: The midwestern gas station chain is changing its name after 49 years of cum jokes.

Oh, we are so cooked: President-elect Donald Trump is in the midst of hand-picking his cabinet in a process that feels like the Avengers assembling except instead of superheroes these Avengers are the worst people you've ever heard of. On that list now is our new defense secretary. The person Trump picked to lead the world's biggest and most powerful military is, you guessed it, Fox News host Pete Hegseth. The move stunned the Pentagon. The Fox & Friends Weekend co-host is a National Guard officer. He is against "woke" diversity and inclusion programs, is skeptical about women in combat, and has spoken about pardoning war crimes. 

Trump apparently just named Fox News host Pete Hegseth his secretary of defense?

[image or embed]

— Parker Molloy (@parkermolloy.com) November 12, 2024 at 4:11 PM

Dog killer at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who infamously shot her dog instead of training it after it misbehaved, to lead the DHS. The role should be important in an administration that wants to conduct mass deportations and clamp down on border security. 

The Department of Government Efficiency: Trump announced the creation of a new government office designed to "dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies." Elon Musk and failed presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the office. During his campaign, Ramaswamy said he wanted to cut down on government spending and discussed eliminating the FBI, the Department of Education, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to do that. Musk, meanwhile, wants to just meme about it all. The acronym for the department is DOGE, Musk's favorite meme. Will the two be able to keep the posts despite clear conflicts of interest? We'll see. Please, someone stop the edge lords. 

wait why does the dept of government efficiency have two co-chairs

— Caitlin Gilbert (@caitlingilbert.bsky.social) November 12, 2024 at 6:15 PM

So much for justice: Special counsel Jack Smith, the guy in charge of the Justice Department cases against Trump, announced he will resign before the beginning of Trump's term. During his campaign, Trump promised to fire Smith within “two seconds” of taking office. Smith has two outstanding cases against Trump, and he plans to write a final report on both before stepping down.  

Hell is empty and the devils are here: A Michigan community theater put on a production of The Diary of Anne Frank. Several Nazis gathered outside waving swastika flags and shouting racist and antisemitic slurs.  

Something to listen to: A friend recently turned me onto this radio drama about a space mission. I've barely scratched the surface of the series, but so far it's a nice escape. 

iPhone shipments in the third quarter of 2024 crossed 4 million units for the first time, driven by steep discounts, multiple financing options, and a strong demand for premium handsets during the festive season, said research firm IDC in a report released Wednesday.

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Je wil een probleem voor je medewerkers oplossen. Maar, doorloop je wel de juiste stappen hiervoor? Op één of andere manier krijgen we het niet altijd voor elkaar om te onderzoeken, klein te beginnen en de doelgroep te betrekken. Tijdens Employee Experience Event kwamen diverse diciplines bij elkaar: HRM-, ICT-, UX- en marketingprofessionals. Ik bezocht […]

Nu de kou z’n intrede maakt, beginnen mensen zich weer klaar te maken. Nee, niet voor kerst of het klagen over de (weer) te vroege intrede van de kruidnoten in de supermarkt. Men begint reikhalzend uit te kijken naar de lancering van de enige echte Spotify Wrapped. Wat is er gebeurd dat dit de tongen […]

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Talkshow host Drew Barrymore's touchy-feely approach to her guests didn't sit well with Martha Stewart on Tuesday. The homemaking diva appeared extremely uncomfortable when Barrymore began stroking her arm and back during the interview, prompting Stewart to physically push her away.

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Actor Kevin Costner is smitten with Liz Cheney and her increasingly acerbic attacks on President-elect Donald Trump, saying the former Republican congresswoman from Wyoming should be applauded for her public service in branding him "unstable," "depraved," and "cruel" amongst other insults.

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By Gerardo Zavala

Team officials said this development proposal was possible thanks to a “major investment” from a new ownership group: Wilton Rancheria, the Tribe which owns Sky River Casino in Elk Grove. 

City officials said Wilton Rancheria is the first Tribe to hold majority ownership in a men’s professional sports franchise. 

“This partnership is far more than a business transaction, it represents a significant step forward,” said Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango. “[It] honors the Tribe’s deep and enduring connection to this land, while celebrating the diversity that defines the Sacramento region in an industry where ownership has traditionally lacked diversity.”

Former majority owner and team CEO Kevin Nagle will remain a part owner and manage the team-Tribe partnership.

Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango holds a custom Sacramento Republic FC jersey with his name on it at a press conference in Downtown Sacramento on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024.Gerardo Zavala/CapRadio

Sacramento’s long fight for a Downtown soccer stadium

In 2019, city and team officials similarly held a press conference announcing plans to develop a soccer stadium and entertainment district in the Downtown Railyards. But that came with one big caveat: It would only be built if Major League Soccer picked Sacramento as a franchise location.

City Council approved the $262 million plan just days after the announcement was made. Five months later, MLS announced Sacramento Republic FC would be its newest expansion franchise. 

“In a few short years, your club has captured the hearts and minds of soccer fans in this city and throughout the region, and the entire sport has taken notice,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in 2019. “There is no doubt that this is a soccer city.”

The team was initially supposed to make their MLS debut in 2022. But the pandemic pushed back that start date to 2023, and then lead investor Ron Burkle backed out in 2021, scrapping Republic’s opportunity to play in the top division.

In the years since, there have been a number of rumors around new investment groups and potential MLS expansion bids, but none have come to fruition.

“If the opportunities down the road appear, I think we'll be more than welcome to that opportunity, and I think [MLS] would be more than welcome to have Sacramento's region involved in that, especially with our media market here,” he said on Thursday.

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Sacramento Republic CEO Kevin Nagle shake hands at a press conference announcing plans to build a long-awaited soccer stadium on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024.Gerardo Zavala/CapRadio

Postseason exit and a leadership change

The announcement of a new stadium comes after the end of The Indomitable Club’s 2024 season. Sacramento reached the USL Championship playoffs for the 10th time in its 11-year history, traveling to Cashman Field on Nov. 1 to face Las Vegas Lights FC in the Western Conference Quarterfinal. It was only the second time in the team’s history that Republic FC played on the road for the opening round.

The teams played to a scoreless draw after 120 minutes and the match went to a penalty shootout, which Las Vegas won 3-2.

Following their playoff exit, Republic FC announced on Nov. 4 that it was parting ways with head coach Mark Briggs after five years.

Briggs was Republic FC’s fourth head coach and the longest-tenured coach in the club’s history. He led the team to the postseason in four out of five seasons — the opening round in 2020 and 2024, the Western Conference Semifinal in 2022 and the Western Conference Final in 2023.

Briggs also coached Sacramento to a historic U.S. Open Cup final in 2022, beating three MLS teams along the way. This was the first time a second-division club reached the cup final in almost two decades.

“Sacramento is a very special place, with a one-of-a-kind club and incredible fans. I’d like to thank the players who’ve been a part of the past five years, the front office who’ve been incredibly supportive, and the fans who welcomed me into the club with tremendous passion and vigor,” Briggs said in a prepared statement earlier this week. “I’m grateful for my time here and it has been an honor to be a part of this community.”

Mayor Darrell Steinberg talks about Sacramento Republic FC’s new stadium. An award-winning film based on a UC Davis historian’s book about “suicide by proxy.” Finally, how to use comedy to talk about depression and suicide.

Appleby announced its sponsorship of the Bermuda Triathlon Association’s Youth Development Squad for the 2024 CARIFTA Championships in Barbados, where 38 athletes will compete. A spokesperson said, “Leading international law firm Appleby is proud to be the primary sponsor of the Bermuda Triathlon Association’s [BTA] Youth Development Squad [YDS] for the 2024 CARIFTA Triathlon, Aquathlon, […]

Bermuda celebrated Flora Duffy’s third-place finish at the T100 Triathlon Series in Las Vegas, with the Minister Owen Darrell praising her as an inspiration to young Bermudians. A Government spokesperson said, “Bermuda is once again filled with pride as Flora Duffy continues to shine on the global stage, finishing third at the prestigious T100 Triathlon […]

The International Olympic Committee has approved the change of nationality for figure skater Vanessa James, with James now be able to compete for Canada at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. The report on the Inside The Games website said, “James will be eligible to represent Canada at the Games with her new skating partner, […]

Appleby announced it retained its Planet Mark Business Certification for 2024, achieving a 37.2% reduction in carbon emissions and reaffirming its commitment to sustainability. A spokesperson said, “Appleby is pleased to announce that it has retained its Planet Mark Business Certification for a further year, reducing carbon emissions by 37.2% and underlining the Group’s commitment […]

Bermuda’s Rebecca Faulkenberry is set to hit the stage again next month, appearing alongside her Spiderman co-star Justin Matthew Sargent in Sweet Dreams at New York’s “54 Below” club on July 2nd. The theater describes the production by saying, “Sweet Dreams is a modern day retelling of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights Dream told through the […]

Bermudian actor Daren A. Herbert is playing a character named “Vaughn” in a new holiday-themed film featuring musical group En Vogue, titled “An En Vogue Christmas.” The made-for-television film debuted last month, and is set to air on the Lifetime LMN network twice more before Christmas Day, including tonight at 9.00pm and December 13 at 1.00am. […]

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Apple планирует выпуск новый бюджетный iPhone SE 4 в начале 2025 года. По данным южнокорейского издания Aju News, массовое производство iPhone SE 4 начнется в декабре 2024 года, а его анонс запланирован на март 2025 года.