19.05.2008
Eurasia: News In Review
Central Asia and Eastern Europe
and their Relations with Russia
May, 2008The 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. For more reviews, see the newsletter for this corresponding month. To receive the free monthly newsletter and obzori by email, simply sign up. The anniversary of the fall of the Soviet liberator
This weekend, Russian nongovernmental organizations plan to hold meetings to protest violations of the rights of the Russian-speaking population of Estonia. Law enforcement is also planning for a wild weekend. Hate Crimes in Russia
A three part series from Komsomolskaya Pravda on crimes against citizens of former Soviet republics. Regional Issues
SCO gaining power; Orange conspiracies? How Orange Networks Work
The phenomenon of "color revolutions" has been examined by the Russian political science in a number of point studies, particularly those which dealt with the 2004 events in Ukraine. However, until recently, there was no broad study of the of the "non-violent" coup d'état technology. Blackwater, out of spotlight, growing
The firm won a $92 million military contract to fly soldiers and cargo around Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. SCO Agrees to Strengthen Ties
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) agreed Friday to enhance defense cooperation among the member states and to contribute to regional peace and prosperity. Future of Russian relations Analyst: "CIS must become number one priority in Russian policy"
"Establishment of the Federal Agency for CIS Affairs is a ripe and necessary thing. It is astonishing that the Russian government was so slow in doing so," a political analyst, member of the Union of Orthodox Citizens in Moldova and Transdnestr Vladimir Bukarsky said. Putin Restricts Russian Foreign Ministry's Role in CIS Countries
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has created a new Federal Agency for CIS Affairs. Post-Soviet States Increasingly Diverge in Use of Russian
The non-Russian countries on the post-Soviet space are moving in very different directions with regard to the use of Russian by their populations, with some likely to retain that language as an important part of their daily lives and others almost certain to see it decline. Potential food crisis No Chaffing Matter
Poor harvests and rising prices have led to bread shortages and protests in Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and paradoxically in Kazakhstan, the regional grain exporter. Central Asia Sees Lean Year Ahead
Plague of locusts, water shortages and rising food prices conspire against a region where life is tough at the best of times. Belarus
Both embassies still open; Controversy continues Belarusian KGB Details American Spying
The Belarusian state television station Channel One ran more programming on Sunday about the activities of the network of American spies uncovered in March by the Belarusian KGB.
Belarus May Close U.S. Embassy
The U.S. State Department has demanded that Belarus close its embassy in Washington and consulate in New York. An anonymous Associated Press State Department source said that the U.S. embassy in Minsk will be closed as well. The Americans want the Belarusians out of their premises thee by May 16 ad promise to have their Minsk embassy closed by May 2. Turkmenistan
Opening its markets to telecoms, oil, and more A Turkmen Dismantles Reminders of Old Ruler
The president had already reversed Mr. Niyazov's order renaming the days of the week and months of the year in honor of himself and his family. Turkmenistan to build $70M monument in capital
"This magnificent memorial complex will be an excellent symbol of a new era for Turkmenistan," President Gurbanguli Berdymukhamedov said. Turkmenistan gross output up 120 pct in Q1
Turkmenistan enjoyed triple digit growth in gross output in the first three months of 2008 thanks to its reform policy, while investments into the economy rose by nearly 60 percent, the deputy central bank chairman said on Tuesday. Turkmenistan Stages Military Exercises
Turkmenistan conducted these exercises with an "antiterrorist dimension" both to boost its international image as a neutral country taking the threat of terrorism seriously and to showcase selected facets of its armed forces. Investment and Construction Turkish Companies To Construct Movie Theatres And Culture Centers
Turkmenistan`s President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow approved those projects worth 90 million USD which are undertaken by Turkish firms. Bouygues wins 109 mln euro construction contract in Turkmenistan
Bouygues has won a contract worth more than 109 million euros to build offices for the Turkmenistan government's oil industry administration. StratoComm Designs National Wireless IT Infrastructure in Turkmenistan
StratoComm's system design will support Voice over Internet Protocol, Internet and Broadcast services to the capital city of Ashgabat, with additional service to the port city of Turkmanbashi, as well as Mary, Turkmenabat and Dashoquz. Russian Cell Company MTS to invest $150 million in Turkmenistan
The president of Turkmenistan also got acquainted with new ring-tones developed from Turkmen traditional songs. Energy Iran, Turkmenistan Reach Deal on Gas Imports
Iran reached an agreement with Turkmenistan to increase both the price and volume of natural gas imports from its neighbor. Turkmenistan, Afghanistan sign energy, transport deals
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan signed agreements on energy, transport and culture Monday, days after agreeing with Pakistan and India to push forward a multi-billion-dollar gas pipeline. Turkmenistan offers South Korea to help develop energy riches
"Turkmenistan is interested in the high technologies which South Korean companies have, and it invites them to help develop its energy sector," Berdymukhamedov said. Turkmenistan wants to supply electricity to Europe
"In the future Turkmen electricity producers plan to raise exports significantly and not only to nearby nations but also to Pakistan and western Europe." Ukraine
Luzhkov non grata, Elections coming 22 years after disaster, Chernobyl reactor is getting new shelter
For years, the original iron and concrete shelter that was hastily constructed over the reactor has been leaking radiation, cracking and threatening to collapse. The constant noise of election fever
If Viktor Yushchenko, Ukraine's pro-western president, really believed that last year's early parliamentary elections would clear the political air in Kiev, he was mistaken. Ukraine becomes an island of freedom
Since the 2004 Orange Revolution ushered in a vigorous, sometimes chaotic democracy, journalists, political activists, artists, and business professionals have flocked here. Most Ukrainians against joining NATO – poll
The poll revealed that 54.9% of respondents would vote against joining the military alliance if a referendum were to be held tomorrow, and that 22.3% would back joining NATO. Aftermath of a Soviet Famine
Ukraine's pursuit of genocide designation upsets Russians who say others died, too. Ukrainian President Not to Attend Inauguration of Russia's President
Only ambassadors of foreign states have been invited, the president explained, specifying, however, that he plans to visit Moscow in late May to meet Russia's new president. Sevastapol & Black Sea Fleet Luzhkov Calls for "Return" of Sevastopol
On board the cruiser Moskva, flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, Luzhkov claimed that "Sevastopol, as a city with its boundaries, has to belong to Russia, because it was never handed over to Ukraine." Luzhkov Says Does Not Question Ukraine's Sovereignty
"Ukrainian politicians who champion the country's accession to the military-political block NATO, which Russia does not belong to, could as well be declared personae non gratae in Russia, as their statements go against Article 6 of the Russian-Ukrainian Friendship Treaty of 1997." Black Sea Fleet to Parade Despite Ukraine's Ban
The Black Sea Fleet of the RF will parade May 11 despite the negative attitude of Ukrainian leadership and authorities of Sevastopol, people in the fleet’s staff told Interfax. Russian Ships Not Allowed in Sevastopol Bay
Press secretary of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Vasily Kirilich told Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday that Russia did not obtain the agreement of Ukraine to hold an "event of a military character" in Sevastopol and therefore "the departure of military ships is impermissible." Ukraine Responded to Russia’s Missile by Protest Note
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has handed over to its Russia's counterpart a protest note in response to the recent test of the air-to-underwater missile by the Black Sea Fleet, Ukrainian News reported. Kyrgyzstan
Country prepares to export electricity In a Kyrgyz Garden, Unburied Soviet Memories
Like a settler on the frontier, she lives off the land, hauling water from a turquoise-colored river and washing her clothes in the same bucket she washes her grandchildren. Kyrgyzstan To Export Electricity
Kyrgyzstan is keen to help Pakistan in power shortfall as country has surplus electricity of one billion kilowatts. Kyrgyzstan to Host 2nd International Fair "Osh on Great Silken Way – 2008"
The fair begins May 23rd and is targeted to celebrate Kyrgyzstan's cultural history and build it's tourism industry. Broadcasting bill rolls back press freedom gains
The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to veto a bill that would reverse efforts to reform Kyrgyzstan's state television and radio company (KTR) into a public broadcaster. Kazakh, Tajik Presidents Show Oil And Water Do Mix
In return for closer ties with Kazakhstan, visiting Tajik President Imomali Rahmon has hinted at support for a Kazakh plan to form a Central Asian Union -- an idea also backed by Kyrgyzstan but soundly rejected by Astana's main regional rival, Uzbekistan, and unlikely to please Russia. Iran, Kyrgyzstan eye stronger ties
The Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry has held a seminar to study Iran-Kyrgyzstan ties jointly with the UNESCO Friends Society and the Iranian Embassy. Rights group urges Kyrgyzstan not to extradite Uzbek
U.S.-based Human Rights Watch has urged Kyrgyzstan not to extradite an Uzbek asylum seeker, saying he could face torture if returned to his homeland. Water/Boarder Dispute with Tajikistan
The incident began on the evening of March 26 on the border of Kyrgyzstan's southern Batken district and Isfara in Tajikistan. About 150 Tajiks, accompanied by their district government chief and police officers crossed what, according to Kyrgyzstan at least, is the border. Georgia
Preparing for war with Russia? Russia and the "Frozen Conflicts" of Georgia
A new issue of the Russian Analylical Digest is completely devoted to international implications of Georgia's "frozen conflicts" as posed to Russia. Possible outcomes of a Georgian-Abkhazian war
Without looking into the most pessimistic scenarios envisioning a nuclear conflict between Russia and NATO, let's try and predict the possible outcomes of the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict. Amid War Worries, Abkhazia Hails the End of Embargo
Almost inured to conflict, residents of Sukhumi, capital of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia, are focusing less on the Georgian plane shoot-down incident and fears of fresh fighting, and more on the likely benefits to be had from Moscow's recent lifting of an economic embargo against the region. Kremlin hawks pushing Georgia conflict
"There's a particular group of people in Moscow who are angry at the way things are going and find it convenient to look for ways to push back against the West." Georgia will go to any lengths to unleash war
NATO has given the green light to Georgia's invasion of Abkhazia. Russia May be Seeking 'Joint State' of Abkhazia-Georgia
Russia is currently advancing this approach in another former Soviet republic where it has leverage, Moldova, which has been unable to resolve its conflict with the breakaway Trans-Dniester region. Abkhazians Says Drone Carried Rocket
Abkhazian Deputy Minister of Defense Garri Kupalba has alleged that the unpiloted reconnaissance plane shot down on May 8 in the Ochamchir district of Abkhazia was armed with an air-to-air missile. Russian Military Buildup Russian Air Force commander backs idea of Abkhazia military base
The creation of a Russian military base in Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia would increase the security of Russia's borders in the region, Russia's Air Force commander said on Thursday. Russian reinforcements join peacekeepers in Abkhazia
Russian peacekeepers deployed to the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict zone to strengthen the Collective CIS Peace Keeping Force have started performing their duties. Breakaway Abkhazia seeks Russian military protection
Abkhazia is prepared to hand over military control of its territory to Russia for protection, the foreign minister of the breakaway Georgian region said. Russia Says Georgia `Fueling Tensions' in Abkhazia
Russia accused Georgia of "intentionally fueling tensions" in Abkhazia after the separatist region's air-defense forces "appropriately" shot down two unmanned Georgian spy planes. Forthcoming Elections in Georgia Hinder Relations with Russia
The cause of the recent aggravation of Russia's-Georgia's relations is that Georgia holds parliamentary elections May 21 and the situation is pre-election there. Georgian Reaction Georgia says "very close" to war with Russia
Russia's deployment of extra troops in the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia has brought the prospect of war "very close", a minister of ex-Soviet Georgia said. West must stand up to Russia or risk crisis
The "moment of truth" has come for Europe to resist hardliners in Russia who are bent on stopping the spread of democracy in the former Soviet Union, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili said on Thursday. Russian Peacekeeper Buildup in Abkhazia "Illegitimate"
Georgian officials are denouncing Russia's unilateral action to reinforce its peacekeeping contingent in the separatist territory of Abkhazia, describing Moscow's move is the start of the region's "military annexation." Georgia Pulled Out Of Missile Defense Treaty with Russia
Tbilisi will withdraw from the Missile Defense Treaty of Russia and Georgia. Implications for / Reactions from the West Gather round the gorge
The outside world can help deter both Russian bullying and Georgian vote-rigging. Bullies of the Caucasus
Vladimir Putin dramatically stepped up his support for Abkhazia and hostility toward Georgia in the last two months of his presidency in what looked like an effort to lock his successor, Dmitry Medvedev, into a hard-line policy. Russia Versus NATO In The CIS
Is not defense against such threats the purpose for which NATO was created? Neither the United States nor Europe can stand aloof and let Moscow restore the Russian empire and again threaten European security. Georgia, NATO and Mr. Medvedev
NATO needs to work with both sides to defuse the growing crisis. France and Germany, which argued for putting off Georgia's membership, have a special responsibility. EU: Dealing With Both Russia And Georgia
With tensions heating up between Georgia and Russia over Abkhazia, RFE/RL's Georgian Service Director David Kakabadze spoke to the EU's special representative for the South Caucasus, Peter Semneby, about what the European Union can do to defuse the dispute. NATO accuses Russia of stirring tensions in Georgia
Appathurai, the NATO spokesman, said that an increase in Russian forces without the agreement of Georgia would break an agreement reached in 1994. Georgia-Russia spy plane row prompts OSCE mission
Europe's human rights and security watchdog said on Friday it will send a special envoy to Georgia next week to try to calm tensions with Russia after the shooting-down of an unmanned Georgian reconnaissance plane. Georgia fails to convince UN over drone row with Russia
Georgia failed to convince the UN Security Council in a closed-door session over Russia's alleged aggression towards Tbilisi, following a row over the downing of a surveillance drone by a Russian fighter. Russia rejects Western request regarding Georgian regions
Russia rejected a call by key Western powers on Wednesday to rescind its plan to strengthen ties with two breakaway Georgian regions, insisting it only wants to promote their economic development not annex them.
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