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30th September 2011 Ottawa, Canada
Strengthening UK-Canada links
We were lucky last week to have David Cameron in Ottawa. He flew in from New York, where he was speaking to the General Assembly, to a whirlwind programme here. First, he laid a wreath at the War Memorial, in a solemn ceremony of remembrance, to mark British appreciation for Canadian service and sacrifice in […]
30th September 2011
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
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’ […]
30th September 2011
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
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”. […]
29th September 2011
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
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 […]
29th September 2011
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
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 […]
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 […]
28th September 2011
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
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
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
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 […]
27th September 2011
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
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 […]
26th September 2011
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
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 […]