Carl Bildt to Ukraine
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt is to visit Ukraine on 8-10 April. The programme will include discussions with Minister for Foreign Affairs Kostyantyn Gryshchenko. During the trip, Mr Bildt will also visit Crimea for meetings with regional representatives.
Signing of US-Russia nuclear arms treaty in Prague
US President Obama and Russian President Medvedev are due to meet in Prague on 8 April to sign the new treaty between the United States and Russia on strategic arms reduction. The treaty is called "New START" and replaces the old START 1 Treaty (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty). In brief, the agreement entails a 30 per cent reduction in the number of deployed warheads and a more than 50 per cent reduction in the number of deployed launchers. On 6 April, US President Obama released the new US nuclear weapon strategy, known as the Nuclear Posture Review.
International day for mine awareness and assistance in mine action
April 4 is a day on which attention is called to international work to clear and destroy mines, support those affected by mines and increase awareness of the risks of mines. This work takes place in the UN framework, supported by the European Commission and individual countries. Swedish support amounts to just over SEK 100 million per year. Despite progress there is still much that remains to be done.
Accreditation for the Royal Wedding open
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) is responsible for media accreditation to cover events associated with the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria and Mr Daniel Westling on 19 June in Stockholm. Applications for accreditation will be accepted beginning today, 25 March, and until 31 May.
New agreement between the EU and countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific
Historically the EU has had special relations with former colonies in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP). Development assistance and trade benefits between the EU and these countries have been formalised in the Cotonou Agreement of 2000.
At a joint meeting on 19 March the EU and the ACP countries were able to complete negotiations on a new revised Cotonou Agreement. The negotiations started in June 2009 and most of the work took place during Sweden's Presidency of the EU in the autumn. The Agreement will be signed by all parties in June this year.
The aim of the revision was to update the Agreement and adapt it to changes in development assistance and trade policies in recent years, as well as to the EU's new partnership with Africa under the joint Africa-EU strategy. The revision also means a tightening of regulations on measures against the spread of small arms and light weapons, organised crime, trafficking and drugs trading.
Sweden strengthens support to Turkey's EU accession process
Sweden's new strategy for development cooperation with Turkey for the period 2010-2013, which was adopted by the Government earlier this year, was launched Friday at a seminar arranged by Sida.
"This strategy, which is extended and strengthened, is concrete evidence of the continued strong Swedish support for Turkey's membership of the EU," said Sweden's Ambassador to Turkey, Christer Asp, at the seminar.
Human rights and gender equality important to Afghanistan's new Ambassador
Manizha Bakhtari will take up her post as new Ambassador for Afghanistan today. At present, she is Afghanistan's only woman ambassador. She has previously worked as a journalist, provided training to men and woman in human rights and gender equality, and has been Chief of Staff at Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"I look forward to working in the Nordic countries. Our cooperation partners are important for contributing to stability and development," says Ms Bakhtari.
Demonstrations planned in Bangkok
Travellers to Bangkok should be aware that widespread demonstrations are being planned in the city. Groups loyal to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra have announced plans to demonstrate following a recent court ruling against him. The largest demonstrations are expected to be held during the weekend of 13-14 March, but demonstrators from all over the country are already expected to arrive in Bangkok today, 12 March. The Embassy recommends Swedes to exercise additional caution and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings in Bangkok as well as in other parts of Thailand. Travellers are encouraged to allow extra time for any journeys, since traffic throughout Bangkok, and also to the airport, may be seriously disrupted.
Draft law clarifies the state's responsibility in the event of disasters and crises abroad
The Government has proposed an act that will clarify when the state is responsible for Swedes affected by crises and disasters abroad. Swedes who travel or live abroad are responsible for their security and are to insure themselves against unforeseen events. But there are situations in which normal public services in a country do not work.
Carl Bildt comments on the Riksdag's recognition of 1915 massacres
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt comments on the Riksdag's recognition of the 1915 massacres.
