The Morning Brief - Lignet
Cyprus-EU Bailout Battle Could Provide Opening for Russia
As the government in Cyprus clambers for a solution to a banking crisis
that is rattling Europe, it now appears increasingly likely that it will
turn to Russia in its search for loans to avoid a default. With options
universally bleak for the stricken island nation, Cypriot Finance
Minister Michael Sarris vowed yesterday to remain in Russia indefinitely
until a loan agreement could be reached. But accepting new loans from
Russia would be a bitter pill for Cyprus to swallow, as LIGNET explains.
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General Vallely: Rebels Control Most of Syria
Major General Paul Vallely told LIGNET in an exclusive interview this
week that Syrian rebels led by the Free Syrian Army (FSA) now control
approximately two-thirds of Syria. General Vallely said the FSA is the
primary rebel organization inside the country and is steadily making
gains against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Major victories
of the FSA, according to Vallely, include creating intelligence and
observation units to monitor and stop chemical weapons movement by the
regime, taking out helicopters and other aircraft, and bringing supplies
from the border with Turkey.
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Pope Francis Unlikely to Mend Rift With China
The Vatican’s relations with China have been icy during most of Pope
Benedict XVI’s tenure and that is unlikely to change under Pope Francis.
Chinese leaders have already warned the new pope not to interfere in the
country’s domestic affairs. Authorities currently have a Catholic bishop
from Shanghai under house arrest for defying Communist Party oversight.
The Vatican’s support for Taiwan, a stance that infuriates Beijing,
appears to be unwavering.
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