TALKS ON MALI CRISIS

1. Read the article, choose the best option to complete the sentences. 2. Listen to the report and check up your answers. http://learningenglish.voanews.com/content/high-level-delegations-meet-for-talks-on-mali-crisis/1530010.html3. Translate the text into Russian. 4. Summarize the report.

High-Level Delegations Meet for Talks on Mali Crisis

High-level delegations met in Bamako, Mali for talks about/on/of the crisis in the country’s north.  Representatives from/of/in the United Nations, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States met with Malian leaders to develop a plan. 

Mali’s temporary president Dioncounda Traore urged representatives to act immediately to deal with the situation. He promised that the government will cooperate/must cooperate/would cooperate and work together with forces assisting in ousting the Islamic militants from the north. 

Mali felt/has fallen/fell into a crisis in March, 25, after the military ousted President Amadou Toumani Toure.  Shortly after, Islamic militants with ties to al-Qaida seized control of the north. The militants want enforce/to enforce/enforcing a severe version of Islamic law there.  Recent reports from the north documented/were documented/have documented human rights abuses by/of/from the militants.  They perform public executions, use children as soldiers and force women into sex work.  Women in many towns force/forced/ are forced to cover their faces and ban/banned/are banned from appearing in public with men.  Smoking and music are also prohibited.

The U.N. has been calling on ECOWAS to provide a/the/-- more detailed plan for its propose/proposed/proposing military action in northern Mali.  Last week, the U.N. Security Council passed/has passed/would pass a resolution clearing the way for/of/from deployment of the ECOWAS force.  It gave African leaders forty-five days to create a military intervention plan. 

The newly appointed chairperson for/of/from the African Union Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, said she will deal/dealt/would deal first with Mali after being sworn in. In Bamako, she said it is/was/has been her first official trip as a messenger of solidarity from/of/for the African continent to the Malian people.

“I also want to highlight the AU's deep concern about/of/for the prevailing situation and the AU's determination to do everything in our power to help the people of Mali to find a speedy resolution of the overlapping crises in their country." 

--/The/ A U.N. Security Council holds/will hold/has held a second vote to approve or disapprove a/the/-- military intervention plan once it will be/is created/created.   However, many people in Mali oppose to/with/-- foreign intervention. 

Hundreds of Malians marched in Bamako this week to protest the idea of ECOWAS’ military deployment. 

The protest was organized by supporters of former army members who ousted the government.   Many Malians say they concern/were concerned/are concerned that the army is disorganized and poorly equipped to take back the north alone. 

Last week, thousands/thousand of Malians marched in support of ECOWAS troops in Mali.  A Malian living in the northern city of Gao says military intervention is necessary. 

He also says the people in the north suffer/suffered/have suffered enough, and it is time for war in order to clear the path.

There is also concern that military intervention must/could push Islamic militants and more refugees into/to/in neighboring countries.

GRAMMAR: TENSES IN NEWS ITEMS

Read the news item, open the brackets using the correct verb-forms. Translate into Russian. A Palestinian boy (kill) by Israeli fire in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical sources say. The boy, reportedly aged 13, (hit) by shots from an army helicopter, the sources said. It is still unclear how the boy (hit) in Thursday's incident, but one report said soldiers (find) explosive devices near a border fence east of the town of Khan Younis and (open) fire. Another report said the boy (fatally, wound) during a clash involving militants and Israeli helicopters. The Israeli army said that at the moment it (check) the report. The latest incident follows a recent spate of rocket attacks from Gaza and Israeli air strikes which (leave) six militants dead and at least five Israelis hurt. Earlier this week, three Israeli soldiers (also, wound) in a blast on the Israeli side of the border.

GRAMMAR: TENSES IN NEWS-STORIES

Open the brackets using the correct verb-forms. Do not copy the sentences. The United States and Egypt (1 have) a long and close relationship for more than thirty years. The United States (2 provide) over one billion dollars yearly in military and economic aid to the Arab nation. Many Egyptians (3 criticize) the aid, saying it (4 directly, not reach) civilians. They also (5 not approve) of what they believe is American interference in their national concerns. In two thousand nine, President Obama (6 visit) Cairo and (7 make) a historic speech about a new beginning between the United States and the Arab and Muslim world. He (8 speak) about removing years of mistrust, finding common positions and relations based on shared respect. After the president’s talk in Cairo, Egyptians (9 increase) their expectations of the United States. However, none of the promises (10 keep). Ordinary people say that they (11 not see) any difference in how the United States deals with Arab dictators or the Palestinian issue since the Obama speech. The Gallup research organization asked groups of Egyptians this year about their opinions on several issues. The study found that more than half the Egyptians who (12 take) part in the survey (13 believe) that closer relations with the United States (14 be) a bad thing. Only one fourth of the Egyptians who (15 ask) said they (16 support) continuing the United States military and economic programs in their country. Political writer Atef El Ghamry says Egypt (17 be) now in a period when Egyptians themselves, not just the government (18 decide) foreign policy concerning the United States. It is clear that relations between Egypt and the United States will continue. But now many people (19 re-examine) the relationship. They (20 think) it is important that America change a lot of its positions.

GRAMMAR: TENSES_2012 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAGNE

Read the text opening the brackets and using the correct verb-forms. THE USA Barack Obama, the incumbent 44th President of the USA, (nominate) to run for presidency at the National Conservative Party Convention which (hold) on 3 September in Charlotte, North Carolina together with Joe Biden as the vice-presidential candidate. Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, (win) the nomination at the Republican Party Convention which (take) place on 27 August in Tampa, Florida. He (select) Paul Rayan as the Republican Vice-President. The candidates (address) carefully staged meetings, (hold) news conferences and (meet) local politicians for the last two months. They (debate) each other at the University of Denver in Colorado and at Hofstra University in New York two nights in October. Experts say the American economy (be) the top issue of the election campaign. And the debates (center) on economic and national health system concerns. Mr. Obama said when he took office, the United States (have) its most severe economic crisis since the nineteen thirties. He said that, in the past thirty months, five million jobs (create) in private industry. But he admitted that a lot (remain) to be done. Mr. Romney proposed (low) taxes to lift economic growth. But he sharply disagreed with Mr. Obama’s tax cut plan. The Republican candidate said he (not reduce) the share of taxes paid by high income individuals.

GRAMMAR IN NEWS-STORIES: PREPOSITIONS, QUESTIONS

I. Complete the sentences with correct prepositions. The Emir of Qatar arrived (1)_____the Gaza Strip (2)_____ Tuesday (3)_____ a visit officially aimed (4)_____ launching a $254m construction project to help rebuild the war-torn Palestinian territory. Qatar has become one of Hamas's main benefactors since it fell (5)___ with Syria and relations cooled with Iran. Sheikh Hamad flew (6)____ Egypt and crossed into Gaza (7)____ car amid tight security. The emir and his large delegation were greeted (8)____ a Hamas honour guard and Palestinian and Qatari flags decorated the route (9)_____ the main road north to the city of Gaza, a key highway that Qatar will rebuild. A spokesperson (10)_____ Mr Abbas said the Palestinian Authority welcomed Qatar's efforts to help the people in Gaza but also stressed "the necessity to preserve the legitimate representation of the Palestinian people". II. Render the article in Task I into Russian. III. There is a mistake in the construction of the questions which were asked by journalists after the emir’s visit to the Gaza Strip. Correct the mistakes. Check up the use of tenses in reported questions. 1. Who by the emir was met? 2. How long the visit lasted? 3. Where the emir’s speech had been scheduled to take place? 4. The journalists wondered why was the event called off. 5. The reporters asked why did Hamas’s political leadership move from Syria to Egypt and Quatar. 6. One of the reporters asked is Qatar one of America’s key Arab allies. 7. Does Hamas recognized internationally as a terror group? 8. When did Hamas won Palestinian elections? 9. They want to know has the sheikh’s trip broken Israel’s economic and political blockade of Gaza. 10. The journalists asked how much has Qatar promise for construction projects.

GRAMMAR: TENSES

Read the text about Oprah Winfrey and put the verbs in brackets into the correct verb-forms. QUEEN OF TALK Oprah Winfrey began speaking publically in church when she was two. By the time she(be)________________________ twelve, she (already, decide)_____________________________________________________ on a career. She wanted to be «paid to talk». In fact, it (not be)_____________________________________that long before she (get)____________________________________her first radio job. Although she (not have)________________________any experience, she (become)_____________________________________ a news reporter. When Winfrey (get)_____________________________________________ her TV talk show in 1986, she (be, already)_______________________________________________ a TV news reporter and (act)___________________________in a major Hollywood movie, 'The Colour Purple'. Oprah's warm personality (make)_______________________________ her TV guests comfortable. Her stories on topics such as child abuse – Oprah, herself, (be)__________________________________ a victim – (touch)____________________________________________________________ the hearts of the audience. 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' (become)________________________________________________________________________ so popular that by the late 1980s 'Oprah' (become)________________________________________________________________________ a household word. In 1994 Winfrey (decide)_______________________________that the quality of talk-show themes (get worse and worse)__________________________________________________________________. She (promise)_______________________________ to focus on more uplifting, meaningful issues such as runaway teenagers who return home. She also (make)_____________________________________________ a personal change. She (always, have) __________________________________________ a weight problem, but in 1995 TV viewers (see)____________________________ a new Winfrey. She (diet)_________________________________________________ and (work out)____________________________________________ - and she (lose)_____________________________________ almost 90 pounds! She (also, compete, successfully) ________________________________________________________________________ in a Washington, D.C. marathon. Today Oprah Witney is still going strong. In addition to her talk show, she (continue)_________________________________to be involved in movies. In 1998 she (star)_______________________________________________________________ in 'Beloved', which she (plan)_________________________________________________________________ to produce for ten years. When asked about her future, Winfrey said, 'It's so bright it burns my eyes'.

GRAMMAR: TENSES IN NEWS-STORIES

Read the article, open the brackets using the correct verb-forms. Write 7 questions to the article. Translate the text into Russian in writing. Georgia election: Rival leaders agree on Nato goal The president of Georgia and the incoming prime minister have agreed Nato membership remains a strategic goal, despite their differences. Mikheil Saakashvili, whose party (1 defeat) at last week's election, (2 shake) hands with Bidzina Ivanishvili for the cameras but (3 show) little warmth. It is the first time the two officials (4 meet) since last year, when Mr Ivanishvili (5 vow) to oust the ruling party. Under Mr Saakashvili, Georgia (6 become) a strong partner of Nato. It (7 send) troops to serve alongside Nato forces in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr Ivanishvili, a tycoon who (8 make) his fortune in Russia, (9 portray) by the ruling party during the election campaign as being pro-Moscow. Russia (10 not have) diplomatic ties with Georgia since the two countries' brief war over the breakaway Georgian territory of South Ossetia in August 2008. Mr Ivanishvili said that Georgia (11 definitely, be able) to become a member of Nato soon. He added that during the meeting they (12 talk) about foreign policy and their visions. Mr Saakashvili said that he, as president, (13 ensure) that the transfer of government functions (14 go) "without any excesses". Georgia's chances of joining Nato (15 damage) by the war with Russia. The alliance (16 not want) to accept a new member that might drag it into an armed conflict with Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in Moscow that while Russia (17 hope) for a normalisation of relations with Georgia, the status of South Ossetia and fellow breakaway territory Abkhazia (18 not be) negotiable. Russia (19 recognize) both territories as independent states. The new Georgian government is expected (20 take) office later this month.

GRAMMAR: PREPOSITIONS

Fill in the missing prepositions. 1. The United Kingdom is made _____of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It has a long history as a major player _____ international affairs. 2. _____ the beginning of the century Britain commanded a world-wide empire as the foremost global power. 3. UK’s economy remains one of the largest, but it has _____ many years been based _____ service industries rather than _____ manufacturing. 4. Lately, the country has been struggling _____ issues revolving _____ multiculturalism, immigration and national identity. This is _____ a background of concerns _____ terrorism and political and religious radicalism, heightened _____ the suicide bomb attacks_____ London's transport network _____ 2005. 5. Elizabeth II became queen ____ 1952 _____ the death of her father, George VI. 6. Born ___ 1966 ____ London, Mr Cameron was educated ____ Eton College and Oxford University. Aged 43 _____ coming _____ power, he was the youngest prime minister _____ 1812. 7. David Cameron became prime minister ____ the head of a coalition government ___ 11 May 2010, returning his centre-right Conservative Party ____ power ____ 13 years of rule ____ the centre-left Labour Party. It is the first formal coalition government ____ 70 years to govern the UK, where the electoral system usually guarantees a majority ____ the largest party. The new PM was confronted ____ a daunting economic situation. ____ October 2010, Mr Cameron's government announced a programme of deep cuts ____ government spending - the UK's largest ____ generations. _____ 2011, the prime minister was criticised ____ hiring a journalist implicated in the scandal. 8. Tony Blair stepped _____ _____ coming _____ growing pressure _____ Britain's role ____ the Iraq War.

GRAMMAR: TENSES_THE UK

Open the brackets, using the correct verb-forms. THE UK The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a Constitutional Monarchy. Elizabeth the Second (crown) the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1952. Her father, George the Sixth, (rule) for 16 years. She is the Head of State but she is not the Head of Government. Laws in Great Britain (make) by Parliament. They (execute) by Government. Since the end of the Second World War British economy (base) on service industries, but it still (remain) a major economic and military power. The country (not enter) the euro zone and the question if it (join) it some time in the future, (appear) to be rather debatable. The UK lately (struggle) with such complicated issues as multicultuarism, immigration, national identity, political and religious radicalism and terrorism. The concerns about suicide bombings (heighten) since the attacks on London’s transport network in 2005. The UK (emerge) from a deep recession caused by 2008 global financial crisis, when David Cameron, the leader of centre-right Conservative Party, (become) the PM in 2010. He (must) form a partnership with the Liberal Democrats because his party (not gain) an absolute majority. It is the first coalition government in 70 years. By 2010 the centre-left Labour Party (be) in power for 13 years. After Mr Cameron (assume) office, he promised that cutting the deficit (be) his top priority. Now the PM (criticize) for (give) tax cuts to the rich while (cut) spending on the poor and (fail) in the central aim of reducing borrowing.

GRAMMAR: TENSES

Read the article, opening the brackets and using the correct verb-forms. Translate into Russian. Russia to become Iraq's second-biggest arms supplier Iraq (1 sign) contracts to buy Russian arms worth $4.2bn this year, Russian news agencies report. Moscow, the main supplier of arms to Iraq under Saddam Hussein, thus becomes the country's second-biggest arms supplier after the US. The new contracts (2 announce) after talks between the two countries' prime ministers near Moscow on Tuesday. Iraq (3 rebuild) its armed forces since the end of US-led combat operations against insurgents. The contracts (4 negotiate) during Iraq's acting Defence Minister visits to Russia in April, July and August 2012. "The delegation members (5 familiarize) themselves with the Russian military production, (6 discuss) the technical and commercial options of the offer with Rosoboronexport, and (7 sign) contracts worth more than $4.2bn," said a joint statement by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his Iraqi counterpart, Nouri Maliki. Earlier this week, Mr Maliki explained in a speech that he (8 not want) Iraq to be "part of someone else's arms export monopoly." "We have good relations with the United States and Iran. We (9 not want) to live surrounded by constant conflict. We regularly (10 buy) weapons based on the needs that we feel we have," he added.

GRAMMAR: PASSIVE

Put these sentences into Passive, where possible. Most powerful earthquake since records began has struck the north-east coast of Japan. A wall of water swept away cars, ships and buildings after the 8.9-magnitude quake. The government has declared a state of emergency at a nuclear plant. The police have found 200 to 300 bodies in the port city of Sendai. The tremor hit at 1446 local time at a depth of about 24km. Radio reports extended a tsumami warning across the Pacific to North and South America. The Red Cross in Geneva warned that the waves could be higher than some Pacific islands. Local authorities evacuated coastal areas in the Philippines, and other parts of the Pacific ahead of the tsunami's expected arrival.

GRAMMAR: ARTICLES

Fill in the missing articles, where necessary: ___ Foreign Ministry, ____Foreign Office, ____ United Nations Organization, ____UN, ___ North Atlantic Treaty Organiza¬tion, ____NATO, ____World Trade Organization, ____WTO, ____ Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, ____OPEC, ____ Strategic Arms Reduction, ____ START, ____ House of Lords, ____ State Duma, ____ Kremlin, ____ White House, _____10 Downing Street, _____ Whitehall. _____UN Secretary-General, ____Foreign Secretary; _____ US State Secretary, Ms. H.Clinton; ____Deputy Prime Minister and ____Minister for Foreign Affairs; _____Federal Chancellor of _____Germany, Mrs. A.Merkel; ____President Putin of Russia; ____Russian President Vladimir Putin; _____Foreign Minister Lavrov; ____President Barak Obama

GRAMMAR: REPORTED QUESTIONS

Change the following Direct Questions into Reported Questions. 1. One of the journalists asked: "Are the two sides going to resume peace talks next month?" 2. The Reuters correspondent asked: "When will the visit start and what issues will the two presidents focus on?" 3. The head of the delegation asked: "When are the talks scheduled to start?" 4. A BBC correspondent asked the Foreign Ministry spokesman: "Is Russia going to send its peacekeepers to Afghanistan?" 5. A correspondent asked: "Why did the US refuse to sign the Kyoto protocol?" 6. A member of the delegation asked his colleague: "What will be on the agenda of the meeting tomorrow?" 7. The participants in the conference asked the chairman: "Are you go¬ing to organize another meeting on the peaceful settlement of region¬al conflicts?"