Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Blogs

A unique insight into UK foreign and development policy

30th September 2011

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by Leigh Turner

Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Vienna

The UK, EU enlargement and Ukraine

The UK Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, made an important speech during the Eastern Partnership in Warsaw on 29 September.  Key sections include: “It is in the EU’s clear interests to offer meaningful integration to [our Eastern] neighbours, including through full EU membership, where the criteria are rigorously met…  So the UK is clear: ‘no’ […]

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30th September 2011

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by Nigel Baker

Ambassador to the Holy See (2011-2016)

Common Values in Foreign Policy

On 27 September, the Holy See Foreign Minister, Archbishop Mamberti, addressed the UN General Assembly in a wide ranging speech on current international issues or, as he put it – reminding us diplomats why we engage in international diplomacy – “the principal questions that concern humanity in the search for a better future for all”. […]

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29th September 2011

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by Greg Dorey

Diplomat

Women’s equality

I was surprised and very touched to be presented today with a annual Prize for an Outstanding Contribution to the Cause of Women’s Equality by the Association for Women’s Career Development in Hungary. The prize is given to those who the Association sees as most actively promoting the issue of gender equality. Because I was […]

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29th September 2011

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by Leigh Turner

Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Vienna

Two hearts are better than one

What is the healthiest place in Kyiv?  At a recent reception at the residence, I began to suspect it might be my lounge.  The reason was that the room was crammed with over 80 guests representing the cream of the Ukrainian medical profession and, in particular, many of the country’s top interventional cardiologists.  Other medical […]

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28th September 2011 Toronto, Canada

August in Canadian science

August’s SIN newsletter, covering science and technology news in Canada, is out! Click here to download the PDF version. If you would like to be added to the mailing list and receive it automatically in your inbox, leave a comment below or send us an e-mail. Some highlights from August’s news are: Hundreds of jobs […]

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28th September 2011

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by Leigh Turner

Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Vienna

Running the gauntlet: why English is wonderful

What is a “Chicken Chernobyl”?  How about “the Order of the Golden Toecap” or “buckets of sunshine”? I’ve blogged before the constant evolution of the English language (see “Brainiacs, dwarf planets, podcasts and tweets in Kyiv“).  For another take on this, setting out the contribution made by the British Royal Navy with what is known […]

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27th September 2011

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by Greg Dorey

Diplomat

Almost a triathlon

Some weeks ago I wrote about several of my colleagues’ swimming accomplishments at Lake Valence. Now, inspired by the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, they have been entering foot and cycling races too. On 4 September, 3 colleagues competed in the Budapest half-marathon. One male colleague ran alone, and two other female colleagues ran in […]

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27th September 2011

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by Leigh Turner

Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Vienna

How to make Ukraine more European

Negotiations at a summit later this week will revolve around the question of “how European is Ukraine”?  It sounds a bit academic, since anyone looking at a map can see that Ukraine is a European country.  But negotiations at the Eastern Partnership Summit on 29-30 September will revolve around the question not of geography but […]

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26th September 2011

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by Martin Harris

British Ambassador to Ukraine

Diplomatic Cable

The UK’s Business Secretary Vince Cable (photo) will be visiting Romania this week. This is a follow-up to President Basescu’s visit to London in June when he agreed with David Cameron to strengthen commercial ties, and to join forces in Brussels to promote EU growth. Vince Cable’s visit comes at a critical moment for the […]

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