06.05.2009
Eurasia: News In Review
Central Asia and Eastern Europe
and their Relations with Russia
March-April, 2009The following resource is meant to give readers a quick overview of recent events within the FSU but outside of Russia. Much of the news here concerns how Russia and/or the US are affected by these generally small but politically, economically, and militarily important nations. This news review is part of SRAS's monthly "obzor" publications. For more reviews, see the newsletter for this corresponding month. To receive the free monthly newsletter and obzori by email, simply sign up. General Central Asia to press ahead with Russia gas pipeline
Central Asian gas producers Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan agreed to press ahead with a new Caspian Sea gas pipeline -- a Russia-backed project rivalling Europe-backed Nabucco, an official government report said. Ex-Soviet bloc faces worst recession in 20 yrs
Former Soviet-bloc states are facing their worst recession since the collapse of European communism two decades ago, ratings agency Fitch warned Wednesday. Protests in Moldova and Georgia
Idealistic youngsters demanding their country's faster integration with Europe were a rarity even before the Moldovan authorities beat and jailed hundreds, and killed two, after a spree of protests against electoral fraud. But the limp European Union reaction to the crackdown will not encourage others to follow in their footsteps. Georgian, Ukrainian officials seeking assurances from Obama administration on Russia
Georgian and Ukrainian officials were seeking assurances from the Obama administration Tuesday that they would not lose out as the United States seeks greater cooperation from Russia. Russia to boost military presence in Central Asia
Russia announced plans on Monday to increase the number of military aircraft at its air base in Kyrgyzstan, reinforcing its position in Central Asia, which it sees as part of its traditional sphere of interest. US backs opening of Central Asian gas markets
The U.S. Friday encouraged Turkmenistan to diversify its energy markets as Washington hopes to shake off Moscow's grip on this energy-rich but reclusive Central Asian nation. The EU's Invisible 'Schengen Wall'
There was a brief moment when the western borders of Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova opened up in the 1990s, allowing their citizens to freely visit Poland and other neighbors. But these borders closed again. More Religious Intolerance In Central Asia
On March 5, the Tajik parliament adopted in the final reading a new law on religious organizations. The new law is much less liberal than one adopted in 1992. Although deputies who spoke in favor of its passage said it treats all faiths equally, it in fact gives priority to the Hanafi school of Islam, to which 90 percent of the population of Tajikistan adheres. Central Asia Turkmenistan 'flexing muscles' in Russia gas tiff
Turkmenistan's rebuke of Russia over a pipeline explosion this week reflects the Central Asian state's unease over Moscow's reliability but is unlikely to spark a new "gas war" analysts said. Uzbekistan turns to West - Russian expert
Uzbekistan's politically flighty President Karimov has suddenly turned towards the West. Why? Does he fear that Russia's economic downturn will result in a rise of political Islam in his country? And will the West overlook Karimov's fickleness and brutality for reasons of realpolitik? The views of two Uzbek pundits In Turkmenistan, big powers eye Central Asia energy options
Big powers are dispatching envoys to an energy conference in Ashgabat this week amid shifts in Central Asian oil and gas politics the West hopes could loosen Moscow's grip on the strategic region. Baltics Russian Group's Claims Reopen Debate On Estonian Cyberattacks
For nearly three weeks in the spring of 2007, Estonia was struck by a wave of sophisticated cyberattacks targeting the websites of the country's parliament, banks, newspapers, and government ministries. Kremlin-backed group behind Estonia cyber blitz
Members of a Kremlin-backed youth movement have claimed responsibility for May 2007 cyber attacks that crippled Estonia's internet in the midst of a diplomatic argument with Russia. Moldova Backroom Deals Can't Solve Transdniester Dispute
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev met in Moscow this week with Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin and the head of the unrecognized breakaway region of Transdniester, Igor Smirnov. The final statement of the tripartite talks contains no legal commitments, but the meeting itself could have negative political implications for Moldova. Moldova blames Romania for violent protests
Moldova's president accused neighboring Romania of backing violent anti-communist protesters who stormed his office and Parliament, leaving dozens injured and some 200 arrested. Moldovan poll recount to take place on Wednesday
Election officials in Moldova Monday set aside a single day, this Wednesday, to conduct a recount of a disputed poll after the ex-Soviet state's president requested the procedure in the aftermath of violent protests. Moldovan generation gap stokes political feuds
With one-quarter of the population working abroad to eke out a living, impoverished Moldova has become a country of the young and the very old. It's a generation gap that has split the country politically — and violently. Moldovan opposition to boycott poll recount
Moldova's liberal, pro-Western opposition dismissed as a "trick" a planned recount of the recent disputed election won by the ruling Communist Party, and said it would take no part in the process. Russian president calls riots in Moldova 'monstrous'
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has described the recent mass public disorder in Moldova as "monstrous" adding that "color revolutions" result only in poverty. Communist victory confirmed in Moldova poll recount
Moldova's ruling Communist party was again declared the winner on Tuesday in the ex-Soviet state's disputed parliamentary election, in a recount ordered after violent protests against the initial result. Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan says it's open to talks on US troops
Kyrgyz lawmakers voted overwhelmingly Friday to suspend an agreement that allows U.S.-led coalition forces fighting in Afghanistan to use an air base on its territory. Belarus Lukashenko visits pope after EU travel ban lifted
Belarus' authoritarian president met with the pope Monday on his first trip to Western Europe since the European Union lifted a travel ban imposed a decade ago over his dismal human rights record.
Lukashenko Eases Grip as Russia, West Vie for Belarus
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, one of Russia's staunchest allies, is inviting an East-West bidding war for his country as he seeks to hold onto power and keep its economy afloat amid the global crisis.
Belarus performs 'awkward balancing act'
Belarus's president, Alexander Lukashenko, met with Pope Benedict XVI on Monday ahead of a possible meeting with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Carrots for a Donkey That Isn't Hungry
Belarus, that benighted country dubbed Europe's last dictatorship and shrouded in the secrecy provided by the continent's most draconian visa laws, has been invited to attend an EU Eastern Partnership summit. Georgia Okruashvili: Saakashvili Greater Threat than Russia
Irakli Okruashvili, former defense minister, said Georgia was in a situation wherein removal of President Saakashvili from power is justified with any humanely method," as he posed "greater threat" to the country than Russia. GEORGIA'S MURKY MOTIVES - Saakashvili under Pressure from EU Probe
Der Spiegel is one of the most skeptical of all German media outlets about Georgia in general and about the war with Russia in particular. U.S. to Train Georgian Army – Top U.S. General
The United States will train the Georgian armed forces with focus "on the defense of Georgia," General James Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said after meeting with President Saakashvili in Tbilisi. Medvedev says he would talk to next Georgian leader
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reiterated Thursday that he would never talk to Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, but said he would gladly talk to any elected successor. Georgians Call on President to Quit
Tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied in front of the Georgian Parliament on Thursday, condemning President Mikheil Saakashvili as a despot who botched last year's war with Russia and vowing to continue protesting until he resigns. Pro-Kremlin youth group gives Georgian leader ticket to U.S.
Activists from the pro-Kremlin youth group Nashi (Ours) sent on Monday an airline ticket to Washington and luggage containing rotten roses for Georgia's pro-Western leader, a group member said. Stalemate in Georgia as Saakashvili cannot resign
Lincoln Mitchell, a leading U.S. expert on Georgia at Columbia University, discusses the current unrest in Georgia with Dmitry Gornostaev, the New York Bureau Chief of RIA Novosti Is Georgia teetering toward instability
For the thousands who have gathered in front of parliament in the center of this Caucasus capital, Mikheil Saakashvili is a leader whose expiration date has passed. Georgia worries anti-Saakashvili protests hurting economy
Already suffering from last year's war with Russia and the global economic downturn, Georgia's economy is taking a fresh hit from ongoing opposition protests, officials and business leaders said. Russian Forces Deploying for Possible Action in Georgia
Last week Georgian opposition parties prepared to mount street protests to force President Mikhail Saakashvili to resign, while Russian forces began military exercises in the Caucasus that might be a direct preparation for an intervention in Georgia -in response to the country being further destabilized. Political theater flourishes in Georgia
They hop around like bunnies to mock their president, step into cages to vent claims of political repression, and recite poetry at the top of their lungs. Georgians have long been famous for their theatrical flair, and they are putting it on ample display in more than a week of street protests against President Mikhail Saakashvili. South Ossetia's Documentary Displaced Persons
In the last few weeks, Georgia has sprung back into the news. Protesters are calling for Saakashvili to resign as more and more people have become disillusioned with the six year old Rose Revolution. Georgia urges US warning to Russia
US President Barack Obama must make clear to Russia that it would pay a 'huge political price' for any new 'misbehavior' in former Soviet states, Georgia's national security adviser said Wednesday. EX-PM GOES "RADICAL" TO PROMOTE PRESIDENT SAAKASHVILI'S DEPARTURE
As Georgia's opposition warms up for spring protests, a former prime minister's corruption accusations against President Mikheil Saakashvili signal that a period of post-war political calm in Tbilisi is drawing to a close. The accusations -- to date, unsubstantiated -- reflect the soap-opera-like nature of the infighting among Georgia's political elite. Disrepair In Enclave Dims Hopes After War
Six months after Russia and Georgia fought a war over South Ossetia, the enclave's capital city is still a mass of fresh scars. Georgia, a Nation Stalled On the Road to Democracy
Mikheil Saakashvili strode into Parliament like a returning hero, basking in applause. Five years earlier, he had burst into the same chamber with a rose in his hand and a crowd behind him, toppling the old autocratic regime. Now, as a second-term president, he was back for a debate, surrounded by cheering lawmakers. Georgian opposition continues calls for Saakashvili to step down
Nine Georgian opposition parties have begun collecting signatures across the country to demand the resignation of President Mikheil Saakashvili, the Novosti-Georgia news agency said on Tuesday. The Song Remains The Same -- Not
The Eurovision website says Georgia was asked to revise the lyrics to its entry, "We Don't Wanna Put In" to remove the less-than-subtle dig at Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin by the group Stefane & 3G. Abkhaz Incident Opens Up New Vista
Irakli Bigvava, a 24-year-old Georgian, is at the center of a new dimension of the conflict simmering between Georgia and its separatist territories. Beloved Georgian Singer's Sad Song Hits Wrong Note In Russia
Against a backdrop of Russian fighter planes bombing Georgian apartment buildings at the height of last August's conflict, the legendary Georgian singer Vakhtang Kikabidze -- "Buba" to his fans -- speaks of betrayal and "the smell of melancholy" in his controversial new song, "You Disappointed Me." ABKHAZIA'S DIASPORA: DREAMING OF HOME
High atop a mountain chain in western Turkey stands Mezit village, a hamlet founded in the 19th century by Abkhaz rebels on the run from Tsarist Russian troops. More than 130 years later, Mezit's Abkhaz residents now have one goal -- to return to Abkhazia, where Russian troops are now a welcome presence. Georgia's Saakashvili Won't Impede Russian Business
President Mikheil Saakashvili said he won't impede Russians from doing business in Georgia, rejecting criticism that allowing companies such as OAO Inter RAO UES to control strategic assets poses a threat to security. Ukraine The far Right rises as Ukraine crumbles
The finance minister has resigned in disgust, no longer willing to serve as a "political pawn" in a government that tears up its agreements. The IMF has stormed off, refusing to disburse the next tranche of its $16.4bn (£11.5bn) rescue loan. Kiev's leaders are winking at Russia, hoping that this sort of geo-strategic blackmail will force the West to open its purse strings. In Ukraine's west, cafe glorifies anti-Soviet fighters
"Are there Russians or Communists among you?" barked the grey bearded man at the entrance, clutching an old sub-machine gun. A strange way to welcome visitors to a fashionable cafe perhaps. But then this is the popular Kryivka (secret place) cafe in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, which celebrates the deeds of a wartime anti-Soviet guerrilla group. Ukrainians rate Yushchenko country's worst president
Ukrainians say the country's third president, Viktor Yushchenko, whose term of office is to end late this or early next year, is the worst head of state since Ukraine gained independence in 1991. Ukraine's Orange Revolution fades into disillusion
Volodymyr Mushak voted for Viktor Yushchenko in Ukraine's highly contested presidential race in 2004. He is not sure he would do so again. Party of Regions Leads Rivals in Ukraine
The Party of Regions (PR) is clearly ahead of all other competitors in Ukraine, according to a poll by the Kyiv International Sociology Institute. 23.3 per cent of respondents would vote for the party led by former prime minister Viktor Yanukovych in the next election to the Supreme Council. Ukraine's troubles. The Viktor and Yulia show, continued
A COUNTRY in default, engulfed by social protests and political chaos, crumbling to bits. This has been the West's nightmare image of Ukraine. It was the first country to ask the IMF for a bail-out, its currency was in free fall, its economy is contracting at an annual rate of 9%. Ukraine Teeters as Citizens Blame Banks and Government
Steel and chemical factories, once the muscle of Ukraine's economy, are dismissing thousands of workers. Cities have had days without heat or water because they cannot pay their bills, and Kiev's subway service is being threatened. Lines are sprouting at banks, the currency is wilting and even a government default seems possible. Ukraine pipeline firm raid halted
Ukrainian national security service agents have tried to gain entry to the offices of the authority which oversees gas pipelines, but were turned away. Ukraine May Miss Deadline for Gazprom Gas Payment
Ukraine may miss a March 7 deadline to pay OAO Gazprom for last month's natural-gas imports after the main office of state-run energy company NAK Naftogaz Ukrainy was raided by armed men, the first deputy prime minister said. Tymoshenko urges early presidential polls, to give Russia hugs
Ukraine's prime minister said on Tuesday the country needs early presidential elections, blamed the central bank for the devaluation of the currency and added "cordial hugs" were the best way to deal with Russia. Mary Dejevsky, Ukraine in new gas showdown with Russia
Police raid state energy firm days ahead of deadline for next gas payment. Ukraine Pays Gazprom in Full as Putin Warns of Cuts
OAO Gazprom, Russia's gas exporter, said it received full payment from Ukrainian state energy company NAK Naftogaz Ukrainy for February supplies, after Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin warned of a possible cut in deliveries. Kiev asks Moscow for $5 bln loan to pay for gas
Ukraine has asked Russia for a $5 billion loan to pay for natural gas deliveries, Ukraine's acting finance minister said on Wednesday.
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