Russia: Gas supplies 'not guaranteed', EU commissioner warns
A first mediation attempt by the EU between Russia and Ukraine on their gas price dispute on 2nd May in Warsaw ended with no results other than the willingness to meet again. When asked about the atmosphere in the meeting, a spokesperson responded, ‘we are all adults’ and emphasised the willingness of both sides to meet again in mid-May. The core of the current dispute is how much Ukraine owes and has to pay for current and future gas deliveries from Russia. However, with pro-Russian separatists shooting down Ukrainian helicopters and with Vladimir Putin declaring a Geneva peace deal is ‘no longer valid’, the chances of a solution to the gas dispute are low. Ukraine’s energy minister said the doubling of the gas price by Russia was ‘discriminatory’ and ‘abusive’ and that Kiev will take the matter to the international court of arbitration in Stockholm.
Russia: Worldwide church called to prayer
While fears grow that Russia and Ukraine could ignite WWIII, the world also faces unprecedented global financial crises (see item on gas supplies), record-breaking natural disasters and attacks against life, family and religious freedom, a large Christian coalition has been urgently mobilizing a 40 day prayer campaign for peace that began on April 28th to help combat these alarming threats. This grassroots coalition of Catholic and Christian organizations worldwide is mobilising for 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting for Peace. Also May 9th has been declared a ‘Global Day of Prayer and Fasting for Russia’. Christians from the nations are called to pray and fast in one accord, for the blessing of the Russian people around the world. Let us, in the coming days, pray for the Peace of the Lord Jesus Christ to fall upon Russia and all the nations around her.
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Nigeria: 'Boko Haram' attacks leave scores dead
50+ Boko Haram Militants attacked Kawuri village in Borno state setting off explosives around the village and setting houses ablaze (no house was left standing) this happened as a busy market was packing up last Sunday. Witnesses said 52 people were killed in that attack, while 22 died in an attack on a church service in Waga Chakawa village in Adamawa state the same day. Borno and Adamawa are two of three north-eastern states that were put under emergency rule last May in an attempt to combat insurgency. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan sacked his military high command earlier this month. No reason was given, but the move came amid concern that Boko Haram have been able to continue their bloody campaign despite the wide-ranging powers given to the military to tackle the insurgency last year. Since the state of emergency was imposed UN figures suggest over 1,200 people have been killed in Islamist-related violence.
Subsequently, one prayer initiative participant wrote about the election on April 5 : "There were no problems at all. I think only on the Pakistan and Afghanistan border. So to sum this up, the election went very well. I understand there are a few reports of ballot stuffing, but very few. The Afghans I know are excited about the election. In the 2009 election, I was here and there were 2000 explosions in Kandahar City, this election there were no explosions...
