Uzbekistan's Secret Underground
After a longstanding ban on photographing the Tashkent Metro was lifted this summer, RFE/RL’s Amos Chapple went underground to reveal the art, architecture, and nuclear-blast protection in Central Asia’s oldest subway system.
VISUAL REPORTS
'It's Inhuman' -- Families Demand Authorities Release Plane-Crash Remains
People are still appealing to Russian authorities to release the bodies of their loved ones, six months after an air crash killed 71 people. Warning -- contains disturbing content.
Romanians Accuse Government Of Abusing Power
Romanians have been protesting outside their country's government building since August 10, but sweltering heat and a long holiday weekend has seen their numbers dwindle from tens of thousands to just a few hundred. Those who are still on the streets have vowed to keep demonstrating against their government, which they accuse of abusing power, rampant corruption, and failing to halt young people leaving the country in their droves.
Soldier Meets Prisoner, 50 Years After Invasion Of Czechoslovakia
One was a Soviet soldier during the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, the other was imprisoned for protesting it. Now they meet in Prague. This report is based on a documentary, Spring '68, by RFE/RL's Ukrainian service.
OTHER NEWS
Russia Mulls Retaliation For U.S. Sanctions Over North Korea
Russia says it is working on retaliatory measures against the United States after Washington imposed sanctions on a Russian company and its head for helping North Korea evade United Nations sanctions. "These restrictions have been introduced ...on the basis of unfounded accusations," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on August 16.
Bolton, Kremlin Counterpart To Discuss Arms Control, Syria, Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, is expected to discuss arms control treaties and Iran's role in Syria when he meets his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev in Geneva next week.
OSCE Expresses Concerns Over Russian Military Actions In Transdniester
The Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) has expressed concerns about a Russian "river-crossing military exercise" in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transdniester, and said its team was blocked from monitoring the maneuvers.
Russian Communication Ministry Proposes Certified FSB SIM Cards
Russian media reports that a new draft law would require telecom operators to use SIM cards made in Russia and produced with certified FSB encryption. Presently, SIM cards in Russia are imported from two foreign manufacturers, a situation the FSB says presents security risks. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
Italy Moves Against Mercenaries In Ukraine's Donbas
On August 1, Italian police announced they had arrested three men accused of recruiting mercenaries to fight with Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Prosecutors in Genoa are seeking three others accused of fighting or recruiting for the cause.
Kyiv Moves To Ban Passenger Railway Connection With Russia
Ukraine’s minister of infrastructure has signed a document suspending passenger railway as well as bus connections with Russia in a decision that is viewed as a response to the blocking of Ukrainian cargo ships by Russia in the Sea of Azov. To be enacted, the ban would still require approval by the National Security and Defense Council and parliament. (Ukrainian Service)
World Bank Says Preparing $650 Million Loan Guarantee For Ukraine
The World Bank says it is preparing a $650 million guarantee to help Ukraine obtain funding in global-debt markets, but Kyiv must first comply with economic reforms demanded by the International Monetary Fund.
Prosecutors Seek 15 Years In Prison For Ukraine's Ex-President
In closing arguments of the treason trial against ex-President Viktor Yanukovych, Ukrainian prosecutors have asked the court in Kyiv to sentence the pro-Russian former leader to 15 years in prison.
Lukashenka Awards Kadyrov Highest State Order
Belarus President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has awarded the Order of Friendship of Peoples, the country’s highest state honor for noncitizens, to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov for “strengthening friendly relations and comprehensive cooperation” between them. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
Armenian PM Pashinian Vows To Speed Pace Of Reform
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has marked the 100th day since his sudden rise to power by vowing to “speed up reform” in the South Caucasus nation.
Kosovo, Serbia Border Deal Could Quickly Ignite Balkans
Despite questions over whether they even have a mandate to do so, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and his Kosovo counterpart Hashim Thaci have embarked on high-level talks that could envision Kosovo's Serb-dominated north coming under Belgrade's rule in exchange for the Albanian-dominated Presovo Valley in south Serbia being handed to Pristina.
Tajikistan Arrests Five, Summons Others In Russia, In Cyclist Probe
Tajik authorities say they have arrested five men in connection with the July 29 attack that killed four foreign cyclists, and ordered 20 Tajik migrant workers in Russia to return home for questioning.
Tajik President Makes Bridge-Building Visit To Uzbekistan
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has visited Uzbekistan for talks seen as an important step toward mending a tense and complicated bilateral relationship. Rahmon's official visit to Tashkent was the first by the Tajik leader since 1998.
Kyrgyzstan Follows Neighbors' Example To Create 'Tourist Police'
Kyrgyzstan says it will set up a special police force by the end of 2018 to provide security for tourists who visit the Central Asian nation. The move follows examples set by neighboring Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
PRESSROOM: RFE - CZECHOSLOVAKIA - 1968