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Was he suspended because it's easier with him not running again, or is he not running again because he knew he would be suspended?
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Christopher Mallon
FIDE Arbiter -
Vlad: It's nice to see a CFC Pres quote famous historical figures, but may I make a friendly suggestion? The work of Yamamoto Tsunetomo was what the Imperial Japanese government gave to their soldiers in WW2 - in particular the "Kamikaze" - to convey their view of the samurai tradition and how they thought Japanese soldiers should think about it.
But there are other views - better ones IMHO. I'm partial to Miyamoto Musashi's Dokkado, and his Book of Five Rings, myself. Now that's a real samurai.
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"I never regret what I have done."
Shinmen Musashi, from The Dokkado (May 12, 1645)Dogs will bark, but the caravan of chess moves on.Comment
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The FIDE Presidency
July 14, 2018
A letter from Arkady Dvorkovich
I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the decision of the current FIDE leadership to introduce the anti-corruption measures.
The chess world needed it badly for so many years, and I am just a bit surprised Mr. Makropulos hasn’t initiated it earlier.. being one of the FIDE leaders for over thirty years, he certainly had a chance to do so. Anyways, it is a positive step, and I’d like to use this opportunity to submit a first official inquiry to the newly formed Anti-Corruption Committee:
Dear members of the Committee,
Checking the list of principals for the Chess Olympiad that will take place parallel to the FIDE Congress and FIDE President elections, I spotted something odd:
There is not a single principal representing Russia or USA – two chess superpowers. The Russian principal was originally invited but this invitation was recalled once a presidential candidate from Russia emerged. There are actually many other countries with a lot of respected and professional arbiters that are not on the list of principals, but Austria, Georgia, Germany and Greece have two representatives each. I let you decide if such a disbalance has something to do with the election campaign of Mr. Makropulos and his team. Actually, if we dig a bit deeper and look at the list of the regular arbiters, we would find many more oddities, and I’ll be ready to supply you with more examples of such a disbalance.
I also want to draw your attention on the appeals committees that serve as a well-established way to distribute funds to the members of Mr. Makropulos team. We have lost count of how many times the same people that are particularly close to Mr. Makropulos were appointed to this well-paid sinecure position. As you certainly know, these people are openly supporting Mr. Makropulos for decades and are campaigning for him this time as well.
The list goes beyond arbiters and appeals committees nominations. Choices for the tournaments’ venues and decisions to allocate subsidies to federations are non-transparent to the extreme. The whole system of appointments in FIDE looks corrupted, and evidently Mr. Makropulos has been using it on many occasions to award his political allies and personal friends.
I do expect that the above mentioned subjects will be reviewed by the Anti-Corruption Committee in a due way, and subsequent recommendations will be submitted to the relevant FIDE bodies.
Respectfully,
Arkady Dvorkovich
FIDE President Candidate
https://twitter.com/advorkovich/stat...32045011341312
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Tweet from Nigel Short: My Russian competitor for the FIDE Presidential Election makes some cogent points.
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The FIDE Presidency
July 20, 2018
Open letters of Mr. Dvorkovich and Mr. Makropoulos
From FIDE:
FIDE has been informed of an announcement by presidential candidate Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich on 14 July concerning a supposed complaint of his to the FIDE Electoral Integrity Committee.
We have to clarify that FIDE never received any such letter neither from Mr. Dvorkovich nor from any representative of his.
Today FIDE was also informed of Mr. Georgios Makropoulos' reply to the public letter of Mr. Dvorkovich.
FIDE is publishing today both letters. Procedures by the FIDE Electoral Integrity Committee will start as soon as a complaint is delivered to FIDE officially and signed by the person filing it.
Letter of Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich (see previous posting in this thread)
Reply of Mr. Georgios Makropoulos
Dear members of the FIDE Electoral Integrity Committee,
I write regarding the complaint that you have received from Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, I would like to note the following;
1. The positions of principals are awarded to people on the basis of their experience and the valuable voluntary contribution towards the functioning of FIDE. This has been a standing principle.
With regards to the countries mentioned in Mr. Dvorkovich's complaint; Austria, Georgia, Greece, Germany, I further inform you that;
a) Nikolopoulos, Takis (GRE), Japaridze, Marika (GEO), Tandashvili, Margarita (GEO) were proposed for nomination by the Organizers
b) Deventer, Klaus (GER), Kytharidis, Argiris (GRE) were proposed for nomination by Europe (ECU)
c) The Chief Arbiter, Takis Nikolopoulos, proposed for nomination in order to ensure the best possible team for the pairings, the remaining three officials;
Herzog, Heinz (AUT) (Owner Of Swiss Manager Program - Olympiad Version, Used In Every Olympiad Since 2010)
Krause, Christian (GER) (Swiss Pairings Programs Commission Chairman, Owner Of The Swiss Pairings Program For Olympiad - Countercheck Of Swiss Manager), Stubenvoll, Werner (AUT) (Qualification Commission Chairman, Swiss Manager Program Specialist)
Subsequently, out of the eight persons mentioned by Mr. Dvorkovich, neither FIDE nor I have nominated any of them. I only approved these persons, in accordance with FIDE regulations.
I fear that the attack which Mr. Dvorkovich attempts to make is mainly a political one, especially in regards to Georgia, which being the country that organises the Olympiad was entitled to even more than two Principals that they were awarded to them.
Regrettably, although Mr. Dvorkovich runs for the presidency of a global sports organization, he is unable to separate that from his own country's political agenda, or the clear need for a politically independent FIDE President, in accordance with the principles of the IOC to which FIDE is affiliated.
2. With respect to Mr. Dvorkovich's accusations regarding the list of regular arbiters, it must be noted that;
a) Azerbaijan (which also participates in Mr. Dvorkovich's ticket) has been awarded eleven arbiting positions and Turkey and Norway six each, all after an agreement made directly with the Georgian organizers.
b) Apart from the above, the only other federation with six arbiters was the Russian Chess Federation, having more than any another federation. However, two of them informed the organisers that they could not participate.
3. Mr. Dvorkovich, unfortunately, follows the recent tactics of Mr. Ilyumzhinov, trying to defame his opponents. The "so-called" corrupted system that he refers to, is not a system that I have created. I reject Mr. Dvorkovich's actual claim, that Mr. Ilyumzhinov, who now is a member of his team, exploited a corrupt system for 21 years when appointing members of Appeal Committees. To be clear, according to the regulations he was the one in charge of approving and nominating the members of the Appeal Committees.
Nevertheless, from the moment (last 2 years) when I accepted as an Acting Present the responsibility of also appointing the Appeal Committees, I made sure to follow all regulations to the letter. Furthermore, although the regulations gave me the right to be in all those Appeal Committees, I only appointed myself to one.
Mr. Dvorkovich's main objective in making this complaint is to disorientate the chess community and delegates and avoid any discussion concerning the very severe dark clouds that hang over his electoral campaign. I am referring of course to the recent allegations that
a) Russian embassies and diplomats around the world are putting pressure on federations to vote for the Russian candidate
b) many chess federation presidents and delegates were invited (probably with all expenses covered) to the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup football games by Mr. Dvorkovich and his team, with several accepting this "gift"
The FIDE Electoral Integrity Committee is expected to investigate all complaints of bribing/ buying-off federations or delegates and I argue to look into this.
Respectfully,
Georgios Makropoulos FIDE Deputy President FIDE President Candidate
http://fide.com/images/stories/NEWS_...akropoulos.pdfComment
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This was posted here by Peter Mckillop in May 2016, its time for the CFC executive to explain.
Originally posted by Vlad Drkulec View Post
I and most of the executive would prefer to be able to cross the border without incurring the wrath of the U.S. treasury department.
I don't follow. Are you implying that the CFC has suspended all business dealings with FIDE pending some future unknown? Or is it the case that the CFC continues to make remittances to FIDE (rating fees, etc.) but doesn't want to accept monies from FIDE? You were adamant that the $80k was not a bribe, weren't you? So what is wrong with taking the remaining $60k, subject to whatever the conditions were? One would think that it would be easy to demonstrate that the $80k was not a bribe by pointing out the spot in the FIDE Assembly minutes where the $80k norm tournament incentive was approved for every member nation (or was it only the member nations who agreed to support KI who received the 'incentive'?). Regarding the $20k that the CFC has received, was it paid to the CFC by FIDE or by some other entity? Has the CFC obtained any credible professional advice on its relationship with FIDE vis-a-vis FIDE's/KI's problems in the U.S.?Comment
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I thought Kirsan was suspended from FIDE office for 6 months effective a week ago.
So, why did the CFC office just receive an email from Kirsan about International Chess Day?
It is signed by Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, FIDE President, and is on FIDE letterhead.
Excuse me, but didn't this guy get the memo?
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The FIDE Presidency
July 21, 2018
Vladimir Putin Wishes Good Luck to Arkady Dvorkovich in FIDE Presidential Elections
At the meeting of the State Council, Arkady Dvorkovich reported about a successful holding of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. "It will be in the same way in chess when you are elected FIDE President", says the President of Russia smiling. Arkady Dvorkovich expressed his hope that "it would be a success too". "We wish you good luck", replied Vladimir Putin.
FIDE Presidential elections are taking place as part of the FIDE General Assembly in Batumi, Georgia, on October 3, 2018.
Original (TASS)
http://ruchess.ru/en/news/all/vladim...ial_elections/
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The FIDE Presidency
July 29, 2018
From Chessdom.com
Arkady Dvorkovich in the pre-sanctions list of the US Treasury: New problems for FIDE?
Jul 26, 2018
After the inclusion of its former president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov in the sanctions list of the US Treasury, the banking problems of FIDE seem to never end.
According to our sources, this week one more European financial institution, LHV Bank with branches in London and Tallinn, refused to open an account for FIDE although it is now public knowledge that Kirsan Ilyumzhinov is not running.
Facing the reality of Ilyumzhinov not getting re-elected after the infamous Glen Stark scandal, Russia replaced him with another candidate: the former Russian deputy prime minister Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich.
The problem is that Russia’s new candidate is also included in a pre-sanctions list of the US Treasury for, among others, alleged “human rights violations, annexation of Crimea and ongoing military operations in eastern Ukraine” by Russia:
http://edition.cnn.com/2018/01/30/po...ntl/index.html
- a risk factor that might have influenced the decision of LHV Bank to reject FIDE as a customer, at least until the elections in October are over.
We have already asked FIDE how they would handle FIDE’s banking in the Western Europe if Arkady Dvorkovich is elected and he remains in the above mentioned pre-sanctions list of the US Treasury.
It is obvious that FIDE still needs a lot of work to get its bank accounts back in order, unless Georgios Makropoulos or Nigel Short are elected and these questions stop arising. We will keep you updated as the story develops.
http://www.chessdom.com/arkady-dvork...lems-for-fide/Comment
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The FIDE Presidency
September 11, 2018
From FIDE Forward:
http://fideforward.org/2018/09/07/de...-fide-forward/
Presidents of Arab Chess Federation and ASEAN Chess Confederation announce support to Mr. Makropoulos and FIDE Forward
The Presidents of the Arab Chess Federation (ACF) and of the ASEAN Chess Confederation (ACC) have sent their letters of support to Georgios Makropoulos, establishing with stronger proof than ever the frequently reported lead of the FIDE Forward ticket, in the FlDE electoral race.
Of course, it is expected that out of the 32 federations that are members within ACF and ACC, the overwhelming majority will support the FIDE Forward ticket.
Thus, we officially announce our estimation of having currently the support of 114 countries, out of 186, surpassing the 94 votes barrier for a win with 20 votes.
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FIDE and the National Chess Federations are not for sale!
We will keep talking and collaborating with all federations around the world, aiming to lay the grounds from now, for a FIDE with unity, stability, political and financial independence. We congratulate all federations for their proud resistance to political pressure and to the indecent “offers” that they receive. FIDE and the National Chess Federations are not for sale!
Dignity Above Money!
FIDE Forward!
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Meeting 95 federations and gaining a clear confidence in over 90 delegates' votes for our candidate as of today
Over the past two and a half months, Arkady Dvorkovich and his team members have met representatives of 95 national chess Federations, each continent visited at least twice. As of today, these meetings and discussions give Arkady Dvorkovich's team a clear vote of support from 91 federations.
In the Arab world, Tunisia and Sudan have officially replied to the President of the Arab Chess Union's (ACU) call to side with Arkady Dvorkovich. Let us keep in mind that although the ACF President is entitled to call for support, he is actually not entitled to vote at the upcoming FIDE presidential election.
In ASEAN, Association of Southeast Asian Nations listing 10 federations, a vote of Mr. Prospero Pichay, President of the Philippines Chess Federation, does by no means amount to 10 votes as part of one list even taking into account his status as President of the ASEAN Chess Confederation (ACC). We are confident that the Asian national chess federations will follow their own best judgment in the interest of chess and future of FIDE.
We keep looking forward to the elections of October 3 as a turning point bringing renewal so much needed by FIDE. It is now less than a month before the FIDE Congress kicks off in Batumi. Our team will continue meeting representatives of various federations to discuss the 8 strong moves intended to transform FIDE. Hopefully, we will succeed in convincing people to join us for this journey of chess development.
Bachar Kouatly, President of the French Chess Federation
https://fide2018.com/news/25Comment
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The FIDE Presidency
September 13, 2018
Open Letter of the FIDE presidential candidate Arkady Dvorkovich
Dear friends,
Three days ago I received a letter from the FIDE Ethics Commission informing me about a complaint submitted by FIDE Deputy President and my election competitor Mr. Makropoulos. I will refrain now from delving into the details of the complaint, but its essence is very simple: in the opinion of Mr. Makropoulos, I should be barred from chess activities for the next eight (!) years as a person resorting to unauthorized methods of campaigning and violating the ethical code.
I do not want to focus here on the specifics of accusations or publish defense pleadings. It is up to the lawyers. I can only repeat what I have already stated many times: I have never exploited diplomatic ties to put any pressure on representatives of chess federations.
I reject all accusations and hope that the FIDE Ethics commission will take a fair decision. I expect a fair decision – the one that will not prevent members of my ticket and me from participating in the upcoming FIDE elections. This eligibility is granted to us by the federations nominating our team and the electoral commission confirming this right. Of course, the best way to prove one's case at the approaching elections does not lie in dishonest bureaucratic games, but in getting a support for your vision from the national federations all over the globe.
However, my opponent does not seem to believe in democracy. Having been in FIDE's office for 32 years now, he has simply forgotten what it is. Mr. Makropoulos is perfectly well aware of his standing no chance in a fair contest. While campaigning, I have met delegates and representatives of over 100 national federations and learned a lot about the problems of the chess world. I can confidently state that an overwhelming majority of federations are sharing our vision for the future of chess. It is this awareness of an imminent defeat, and not at all a concern for the "purity of elections", that stands behind Mr. Makropoulos's complaint to the Ethics Commission. He keeps boasting some phantasmagorical figures of support, but the reality is very much different – and he tries to prevent me from participating in the elections – and also to ban several federations that supported my candidacy.
Filing such a complaint is a clear sign of weakness. The complaint to the Ethics Commission is Mr. Makropoulos's last chance for a successful electoral outcome. He is not keen on outperforming his competitor. He is trying to get rid of him. This is his way of slowing down the renewal process that chess needs so desperately. This is the best he can try to get four more years in the FIDE office. Aren't we all tired of it?
I am here with my team to deliver a better future for FIDE in general and for each federation in particular. I am ready to devote all my experience, knowledge and professionalism to the service of the world chess community.
After 32 years in FIDE office by Mr. Makropoulos, who was in charge for nearly all important decisions FIDE took in the last twenty years, the chess world has sunk to a miserable state. Prize funds of the World Championship matches are the lowest since 1969! FIDE keeps living on the money collected from national federations and players, while more than half of FIDE budget is spent on FIDE offices and untraceable spendings. FIDE's image is poor, its work is non-transparent to the extreme, and the lack of commercial partners is astonishing.
We are going to reverse the trend, and in order to address the issue I have repeatedly promised to bring in corporate sponsors both for FIDE and for national federations. And not only promised – I have already received some written commitments and will present them in Batumi. This said, I have never made it a condition or demanded that someone support me in return for certain favors. None of the delegates or presidents of the national federations that we have met will accuse me of bribery or any form of pressure. Simply because it never happened.
My team and I believe in the Ethics Commission to take a fair decision. After all, the FIDE structures are designed to serve, rather than damage, a common cause. Unlike our opponents, we respect freedom of expression and do not question the delegates' common sense in deciding on the future of chess all by themselves.
With respect, Arkady Dvorkovich,
FIDE presidential candidate
https://fide2018.com/news/28
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The FIDE Presidency
September 17, 2018
From Europe-Echecs:
Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) presidents :
— 1924 – 1949 : Alexander Rueb
— 1949 – 1970 : Folke Rogard
— 1970 – 1978 : Max Euwe
— 1978 – 1982 : Friðrik Ólafsson
— 1982 – 1995 : Florencio Campomanes
— 1995 - 2018 : Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
— 2018 : ?
For more details, see:
https://www.fide.com/fide/fide-world...residents.html
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The FIDE Presidency
September 19, 2018
Tweet from Arkady Dvorkovich:
I announced that I would take all possible legal measures to protect my reputation and good name. Yesterday my Swiss lawyers filed a petition to the D.A. office in Lausanne in order to prosecute Mr. Makropoulos for defamation.
https://twitter.com/advorkovich/stat...ess-news.ru%2F
Copy of the letter:
RECOMMANDE
Minstère public
D’arrondissment de Lausanne
M. le Procureur général
M. Eric Cottier
Chemin de Voualoup 6
1014 Lausanne
Neuchâtel, le 18 Septembre 2018
Nos ref: AZ/
Dépôt d’une plainte pénale
Monsieur le Procureur général,
Par mandate de Monsieur Arkadyi Dvorkovich (ci-après la Partie plaignante), domicilié Oztozhenka Str. 27 à Mouscou (Russie) et qui fait élection de domicile à l’Etude pour les actes de la procédure pénale, j’ai le dévoir de déposer la présente
Plainte pénale
Pour colomnie (art 174 CP), eventuallement diffamation (art. 173 CP)et pour toute autre infraction dont vous jugerez les éléments constitutifs réalisés à l’encontre de
Monsieur Georgios Makropoulos (ci-après le Prévenu), domicilié à Athènes
ainsi que contre toute personne qui a participé à la commission des infractions dénoncées
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