TODAY: Kazakh President calls for new Eurasian currency; Russia moves to destroy chemical weapons; Council of Europe will not sanction Russia over human rights issues; opposition slogans under investigation; alcohol, poet charged with inciting hatred, Eurovision.

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has proposed the creation of a new, cashless currency – the yevraz – for the Eurasian Economic Community, perceived by some as ‘a slap in the face’ for Russia which had proposed the ruble (which analysts say could slide as much as 20% against its target basket this year).  The director-general of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons praises Russia’s move to destroy its chemical weapons at Shchuchye in the Kurgan region, in addition to three other destruction facilities that are currently operating.  Could wrangling over missile defense in Eastern Europe be prevented with more precise technology?  Why has the Kremlin backed draft legislation to create sanctioned civilian militias?