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Al Pessin

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June 05, 2014
Obama Finds Support, Criticism on Europe Visit

While received warmly in Poland, Obama faced criticism in other European countries - a mix that analysts say is a product of history, geography and local politics
June 05, 2014
Obama Finds Support and Criticism on Europe Visit

U.S. President Barack Obama spent the week in Europe, grappling with a variety of issues, and finding varying degrees of support from European allies. VOA’s Al Pessin reports from London.
June 04, 2014
NATO Grapples With Russian Moves in Ukraine

US defense secretary says Russia’s annexation of Crimea, continued involvement in region are biggest threat to Europe since Cold War's end
June 04, 2014
NATO Grapples With Russian Moves in Ukraine

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says Russia’s annexation of Crimea and involvement in eastern Ukraine are the biggest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War, and he called on NATO allies to respond. VOA’s Al Pessin reports from London.
June 02, 2014
Reporter's Notebook: Tiananmen Square Reflections

Former Beijing correspondent Al Pessin recalls inspiring demonstrations for reform in China - and in other countries
May 27, 2014
US Amb: Russian Involvement in Ukraine Now Hard to Deny

The U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine says separatists in the eastern part of the country could not be escalating their fight without at least the "connivance" of the Russian government. In a VOA interview in Kyiv, Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, said the separatists are increasingly well-trained. He also also spoke about Sunday's presidential election, and the way forward for Ukraine and the West. VOA's Al Pessin reports from Kyiv.
May 25, 2014
Exit Polls: Poroshenko Wins in Ukraine

Former foreign minister Petro Poroshenko appears to have won the Ukrainian presidency with more than half the votes cast - avoiding the need for a second round, according to two polls of voters as they left polling stations Sunday. VOA’s Al Pessin reports from Kyiv.
May 25, 2014
Exit Polls: Poroshenko Wins Ukraine Presidential Vote

Presumed winner says the first thing on his agenda is to mend relations with pro-Russian regions in the east
May 23, 2014
Key Election in Ukraine Amid Attacks

Ukrainians will vote Sunday for a new president to replace Viktor Yanukovich, who was ousted in February. Many people hope that having an elected leader will go a long way toward easing tensions with Russia and the separatists it supports in Eastern Ukraine. VOA's Al Pessin reports from Kyiv.
May 22, 2014
Energy Prices are Big Part of Ukraine Crisis

Russia's decision to intervene in Ukraine has caused a diplomatic and military crisis. But it has also sparked an economic and energy crisis, as Russia sharply increased the price of natural gas it exports to the country and Ukraine's interim leaders have been scrambling to find new and cheaper sources. VOA's Al Pessin reports from Kyiv.
May 22, 2014
Energy Prices are Big Part of Ukraine Crisis

Analysts say Ukraine faces a dilemma - choosing between cheap gas and political submission to Russia, or expensive gas and political independence
May 21, 2014
New Survey Finds Many Ukrainians Now Anti-Russia

New poll shows more than half of all Ukrainians now believe country should be more closely aligned with European Union
May 20, 2014
Speculation Continues Over What Caused Deaths in Odessa Fire

Ukraine's government says 32 pro-Russian activists who died during a fire in a building they had taken over early this month in Odessa may have been killed by chloroform poisoning and not flames or smoke. VOA's Al Pessin reports from Odessa.
May 20, 2014
Chloroform Poisoning Might Have Killed Odessa Activists

Ukraine's deputy interior minister says investigation into how fatal poisoning could have occurred continues
May 19, 2014
Ukraine Standoff has Worldwide Implications

Although sanctions could impact Russia's economy, some analysts say countries like Iran, N. Korea will be less willing to exchange nuclear power for security guarantees
May 18, 2014
Anger But Not Separatism in Odessa

Despite recent violence which killed dozen of pro-Russia protesters, even some of the angriest residents of port city say they want to remain part of Ukraine
May 18, 2014
Anger But Not Separatism in Odessa

Emotions continue to run high in the Ukrainian port city of Odessa, two weeks after dozens of pro-Russian activists were killed in a fire that their supporters blame on competing protesters from the pro-Europe movement. VOA's Al Pessin reports from Odessa.
May 17, 2014
In Ukraine, Mixed Expectations for Unity Talks

Kyiv resumes national reconciliation talks without armed Russian-backed militants, as Ukrainians remain divided on whether the process will yield results. VOA's Al Pessin has more.
April 30, 2014
IRA Leader Arrested Over 1972 Murder

Gerry Adams arrested, questioned by police in Northern Ireland about 1972 abduction and murder of a widowed mother of 10
April 29, 2014
Other Issues Distract Europe From Iraq Election

Wednesday’s election in Iraq has significant implications for European countries, which are concerned about Mideast instability. But VOA’s Al Pessin reports from London that leaders in Europe are preoccupied with other issues, and in any case have little leverage on developments in and around Iraq.

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