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Some 1000 parents and children in the Komi Republic have received help through the Barents cooperation program “Children and youth at risk”.

Alexander Stubb, famous in the Barents Region for branding the north as the world´s most sexy region, is put on track to take over after Jyrki Katainen.

Marina Kovtun has resigned from her position Governor of Murmansk Oblast to be able to take part in the elections in September.

Former Speaker of Murmansk Duma Vasily Shambir was arrested on August 12 at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow, trying to leave the country while under investigation.

Norway’s Prime Minister says it is important to thank Russia for their liberation of Finnmark 70 years ago, but calls on Moscow to respect international law today.

Murmansk based organization providing legal support to victims of homophobia continues to work and will appeal decision.

Kåre Simensen, Member of Norwegian Parliament, dislikes the cold shoulder Western leaders give Russia by not going to Moscow on May 9 and mark the 70th anniversary of the Victory.

The network of Russian, Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish journalists urge to reverse the decision to limit the editorial freedom of BarentsObserver.

The onslaught of the political elite in the Komi Republic expands as regional police arrests the mayor of Syktyvkar.

Sergey Shmatko

The new Russian government appears set to put new emphasis on the development of nuclear power. Sergei Shmatko, head of a company that builds nuclear reactors worldwide, was yesterday approved as the country’s new energy minister.

The European Union has spent 18 months to agree with itself about a mandate for new talks on a renewed partnership agreement with Russia. Head of EU’s delegation to Russia says the negotiations with the Russians will be no easier. He indicates that they might last for more than a year.

Eneko Landaburu (Europa.eu)

Russia has an advantage over the EU by being able to speak with one voice, EU Commission chief negotiator on a new strategic partnership treaty between the Union and Russia says.

Canada and the Arctic

Canadian scientists are set to make one of their country’s most important assertions of Arctic sovereignty in decades tomorrow at a geology conference in Norway, Canadian media reports. The scientific findings are in conflict with Russian claims in the area.

Photo: Regjeringen.no

Norway and Sweden are joining forces in High North and has granted 650 000 EUR to projects in the region through the Norwegian-Swedish business fund. Good projects from companies in the High North will get priority.

Police in Arkhangelsk yesterday arrested the husband of political opposition leader Larisa Bazanova. The arrest comes just few days before the start of Ms. Bazanova’s second court case against the Arkhangelsk city election commission.