ESTONIA
The press writes that Russia does not have a uniform policy towards the Baltic nations, and is interested in them as a "technological bridge" to Europe. "Although we think we are the center of the Universe, this is not right, especially if you look at us from Moscow. President Putin does not wake up in the morning with the thought: 'What about the development of Russian-Estonian relations?' Moscow simply does not have a Baltic policy. The Baltic nations are just part of the big political game... If the Baltic countries could propose something, which would connect Russia with Europe, and let it play a more suitable role, all sides would be pleased. Apparently, in Russia's view the role of a 'technological bridge' boils down to locating plants based on Russia's technology in the Baltic countries, and using these plants for the penetration of the Russian capital to the European market". (Parnu Postimees, April 11.)
The press is analyzing the pluses and minuses of the plan to reject electric energy supplies from Russia. "If we join the European electric grid, we will receive additional guarantees, but we will not replace the existing system. True, Russia has threatened us with re-directing the transit and shutting down the gas flow, but it has never said anything about interrupting electricity supplies, although Estonia's electric power wholly depends on Russia..." The Eesti Energia has drafted a program for electric self-sufficiency, but it is much more expensive, and much less safe... Russia's electric system has been quite reliable on a global scale up to this day. It has never experienced any large-scale blackouts." (Erileht, April 5.)
LATVIA
The press is discussing a sharp increase in Russian gas prices for Belarus in 2007 in the geopolitical context. "Moscow is also pondering over the change of kings on the Minsk throne. It is trying to figure out a pro-Russian successor of Lukashenko. For the time being, there is no such figure. But as soon as stability is upset, the Belarusian top leaders, who are already experiencing Western pressure, will go into action, forming factions and groups. One of these will definitely have a leader, who will be prepared to meet the Kremlin halfway. Therefore, when Gazprom demands an abrupt increase of gas prices, it is not merely pursuing its mercantile economic interests and trying to establish control over Belarus' gas transportation system. This move betrays the political game of the Russian authorities, who are thinking about the successor of the current Belarusian leader. (Biznes &Baltiya, April 11.)
LITHUANIA
The press qualifies Gazprom's plan for Belarus as undisguised blackmail. "Not only the West, but also hitherto loyal friends in the East have started exerting pressure on the ruling regime. It looks like Moscow has demanded payment for its support from the Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, who did not have the time to properly celebrate his victory at the presidential elections... The low gas prices have allowed Lukashenko to preserve the Soviet economic model and ensure social stability at home." (Lietuvos rytas, April 6.)
Some analysts conclude that high-ranking Russian and Lithuanian officials are artificially maintaining tensions in bilateral relations. "Irony of history - in the past, Russia (U.S.S.R.) exported revolution to its Baltic neighbors, whereas now we are exporting it to Ukraine, Belarus, keeping in mind Russia as well. The latter is repaying us in kind - repelling attacks in the information and cultural space, broadcasting TV programs, creating web sites... The philosophy of cynical policy suggests that any politician needs a scarecrow for political mystique and manipulation. It is not surprising that this mythology appeals to high-ranking politicians both here and on the other side." (Lietuvos zinios, April 5.)
UKRAINE
Recognizing Moscow's non-interference in the parliamentary elections, the media are writing that their results are to Russia's benefit.
The heterogeneous and contradictory nature of any coalition generates domestic political instability, and gives Moscow a vast opportunity for intensifying its pressure on Kiev. "From now on the influence of the Russian factor on Ukrainian policy will be only growing. The Kremlin's response to the Ukrainian elections: "What an effect and for less money!" (Ukrainskaya gazeta, April 5.)
The media is not enthusiastic about the plans to impose an embargo on Russian livestock products, which were made public by the Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy Oleksandr Baranovsky. "The Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation believes that this may provoke a trade war between the two countries... This will be the saddest possible outcome for Ukraine because the dairy exports from Ukraine to Russia are much bigger than the counter flow." (KID, April 6.)
MOLDOVA
Imposition of a ban on the exports of Moldavian and Georgian wines to Russia, and their withdrawal from retail trade on Russian territory remains in the focus of the media attention. Newspapers are writing that this ban has a serious impact on the Russian economy. "In effect, dozens and hundreds of legal and law-abiding Russian companies are collapsing... Medium-sized and small businesses are being destroyed despite the government's commitment to support them as a backbone of the domestic economy." (Nezavisimaya Moldova, April 7.) "Russia is about to quit the wine war with its head down." (Timpul de diminyatse, April 11.)
ARMENIA
Analysts qualify the decision to give Russia the 5th power unit of the Razdan thermal power plant in order to solve the gas tariffs problem as a huge mistake, which will lead to the loss of independence. "The recent deal with Gazprom... has dealt a serious blow at Armenia's energy self-sufficiency... We have paid for gas with the loss of our independence." (Aikakan Zhamanak, April 8.)
The media are writing about possible benefits from partnership with the U.S. in contrast to "unlucky" relations with Russia. "The United States is obviously trying to occupy the leading position in the South Caucasus, but actions of the U.S. pale into insignificance when compared to those of Russian politicians... Considering the amount of U.S. aid to Armenia ($1.6 billion under USAID since 1992), Washington has the right to defend its interests in Armenia, which it is doing in a refined manner and without causing massive discontent." (Azg, April 7.)
GEORGIA
The media are emphatically negative about a ban on the imports of Georgian wine to Russia. They are writing that Russia is gradually resorting to all levers of economic pressure on Georgia. "At first Russia prohibited Georgian fruit imports, now came the turn of wine. It is still unclear what imports from Georgia Russia will ban next. However, judging by of-the-record discussions, very soon it will be impossible to buy Georgian Borzhomi mineral water in Russia." (Khvalindeli Dge, April 6.) "The war has already been declared... Russia has imposed a taboo on Georgian wine although this wine has a share of Russian capital...Unofficially, Tbilisi has already received a notice: 'Think twice, or Bozhomi will follow the wine. And this is not all. The Russian monopolist (Gazprom) has started talking about new tariffs. The price of gas can go up from $110 to $260." (Alia, April 6.)
AZERBAIJAN
The media are accusing the Kremlin of a plan to overthrow President Mikhail Saakashvili with the use of the Azerbaijani Diaspora in Georgia. "Russia is creating problems for the Georgian leader by stirring up ethnic tensions, and invigorating the domestic opposition... The Russian authorities have involved the Azerbaijanis residing in Georgia into the implementation of their plan... The FSB is monitoring the process." (Yeni Musavat, April 5.)
The media are writing that the recent show of new weapons in Iran may cost Moscow dearly. Russia is suspected of supplying Tehran with state-of-the-art military developments. "Iran's demonstration of military power may seriously hurt Russia, its main ally. Commenting on the broadly advertised success of Iranian arms makers, military experts agree that Iran's scientific and industrial potential does not allow it to develop weapons like the Russian high-speed Shkval torpedo, and that most probably, Russian weapons took part in the demonstration. Considering the scale of Russian-Iranian military-technical cooperation, it is hard to imagine that Iran bought the same Shkval torpedoes through proxy firms. To sum up, Iran has again let its main ally down, just like it did by its ostentatious refusal to set up an uranium-enrichment joint venture with Russia." (Echo, April 6.)
KAZAKHSTAN
The journalists attribute the upsurge of nationalism in Russia to its support by a number of Russian politicians, in particular, by representatives of Rodina (Homeland) and the Communist Party, and to the government's reluctance to admit the problem. "It is scary that people like Baburin, Zyuganov, Zhirinovsky, Rogozin and similar 'patriots' will remain on the scene for a long time because the 'patriotic slogans' calling 'to save Russia' are falling on fertile soil. During the past years a new generation of people grew up in Russia who consider them as a call for action... The subculture of 'ethnic hatred' has long struck root in the mentality of many people in Russia." (Liter.kz. April 5.)
KYRGYZSTAN
The media are skeptical to the ideas that the Iranian high-speed torpedo is identical to the Shkval anti-submarine torpedo, which was tested on Kyrgyz territory in Soviet times. "All Kyrgyz plants, which had or have contacts with Russia's military-industrial complex (MIC), are secret plants. The Kyrgyz Defense Ministry merely has its representatives there, but our military do not have access to any documents or products," said the Defense Ministry spokesman Murat Ashirbekov. He added that Kyrgyz military depots have never had Shkval torpedoes. The Dastan transnational corporation, which continues manufacturing certain components for the Russian MIC, is also convinced that Kyrgyzstan could not provide Iran with Shkval samples." (Gazeta. KG, April 5.)
UZBEKISTAN
The opposition press is again calling on the Russian authorities to withdraw support for the Islam Karimov regime. "Hundreds of Uzbek citizens live in Russia in order to escape harassment at home. But the Russian authorities do not grant asylum to any political or religious refugees from the CIS. In effect, Uzbek security services are acting in Russia in the open... The actions of the Russian authorities are a crude violation of the Federal Law on Refugees and the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees... The Russian authorities should stop their support for the dictatorial regime of Islam Karimov, and put an end to the harassment of Uzbek political refugees." (Musulmansky Uzbekistan, April 7.)
TAJIKISTAN
The media are coming to the conclusion that Russian society is sick with nationalism. "The jury qualified the atrocious murder of a small Tajik girl by a group of youngsters as an act of harmless hoodlums... The jury do not know the subtleties of the criminal code and legal proceedings, and pass the verdict on the substance of the matter. They represent society and are entitled to show its response to the crime under review. Hence, this society itself is not normal. It is seriously ill. Pro-Nazi ideas are penetrating the minds of simple people, and invalidating the genuine centuries-old values of humanity." (Vecherny Dyushanbe, April 7)
