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With one bound he was free

Article Abstract:

The UK government's inquiry into the arms-to-Sierra Leone affair found that the Foreign Office was not guilty of deliberately breaching its own embargo on supplying arms to Sierra Leone. However, this was only because of a series of errors of judgement, made worse by breakdowns in communication and inadequate staffing levels. The inquiry's report indicates that one part of the Foreign Office knew about the breach of an arms embargo that had been imposed by another part of the Foreign Office. However, it also states that Foreign Office officials were loyal and conscientious.

Management, International trade, Investigations, Column, Weapons, Embargoes, United Kingdom. Foreign Office

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How not to deal with China

Article Abstract:

The revelation that a spy obtained nuclear secrets from the US for China 11 years ago should not affect US-Chinese relations in 1999. China denies spying on the US, though it would be natural for China to do so. The US also spies on China. There is a need for the US to maintain relations with China, and draw China into the international community, while setting boundaries. Confusion has arisen from the US president taking the role as export salesman, a role that presidents should abandon. Efforts should focus on Chinese entry into the World Trade Organization.

United States, China, Chinese foreign relations, United States foreign relations

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Setting Slavs free

Article Abstract:

Slav countries have not often experienced democracy, and this lack of democracy is especially noticeable in Reussia, Belarus, Ukraine, and for Serbia and other southern Slavs. There is still a possibility that democracy could grow in Slav countries, where new freedoms have emerged, especially in countries linked to the West, such as the Czech Republic. Ukraine and Belarus have a right to develop stronger links with Russia, though an inward looking policy would create problems both for western countries and for Slavs.

Eastern Europe, Democracy

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