IMF Recommends that Ukraine Raise Excise Tax on Alcohol and Tobacco
By increasing the excise tax on cigarettes and beer, Ukraine will add approximately UAH 28.7 billion and UAH 4.5 billion to its budget, respectively in 2016, as stated in a report by the International Monetary Fund. The text of this report was made available to the Ukrainian news agency UKRINFORM.
Based on the IMF estimates, by increasing the excise tax on tobacco by 40% Ukraine would receive an income of UAH 28.7 billion (1.3% of GDP) this year. Raising the excise tax on beer by 100% would …
US proposes spending nearly $1 Billion to support democracy in former Soviet states in 2017
According to President Obama's budget plan for 2017, $953 million will be allocated to the US State Department to support democratic societies and develop anti-corruption programs in Russia’s neighboring countries.
As reported by the media citing officials, the money is allocated under the article “to deter Russian aggression using public diplomacy and aid programs, and to establish sustainable government in Europe”.
“It refers to anti-corruption programs, establishing energy security …
Ukrainian Ambassador to Czech Republic demands that a map depicting Crimea as part of Russia be fixed
The Ukrainian Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Boris Zaychuk, demanded that the Czech publisher, Ottovo Nakladatelství, rectify a map of Ukraine in their “World Atlas of Football” edition in order for it to be in accordance with national law.
“In this atlas, Crimea is colored the same as Russia. In addition, the general map of the world in this edition does not show Crimea as a part of Ukraine. Therefore, the map violates international law and ignores the consolidated position of the EU …
Canadian Doctors to Give Free Reconstructive Surgery to Ukrainian Veterans in Kiev
In Kiev, on February 19 – 28, 2016, Canadian doctors will provide free reconstructive surgery to wounded Ukrainian soldiers and Maidan activists.
As a correspondent of UKRINFORM reported, this initiative was organized by the Canadian-Ukrainian Fund in cooperation with the government of Canada. "All operations will be free. It is expected that there will be about 30-40 patients," the Fund informed.
To carry out this mission, the government of Canada has invested 1.2 million Canadian dollars. …
Merkel 'shocked' by Russian air strikes in Syria
German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has reminded all that the UN Security Council resolution on Syria calls for an end to indiscriminate attacks and in particular, attacks from the air.
Merkel also condemned the Russian bombings in Syria which have forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee.
She went on to say that she was “terrified” by the results of the air strikes and suggested that they violated the UN Security Council resolution that was signed by Moscow in December.
Speaking in …