ESTONIA
When Sergei Mironov and Boris Gryzlov, speakers of the upper and lower houses of the Russian parliament, respectively, did not attend the Tallinn conference of PACE legislature chairmen, mass media interpreted it as Russia's disrespect to the Baltic nations. "The country that took over presidency in the PACE six months ago has chosen not to delegate its parliament speaker to Estonia... Boris Gryzlov's absence is Moscow's conscious decision. In normal European countries, this kind of behavior would have caused a scandal, but for Russia it is the norm, because politically, today's Russia is not Europe. We are referring to Russia's attitudes towards its neighbors and the rest of the world." (Postimees, May 31.)
The press still follows closely the energy dispute between Russia and the European Union. "The EU is obviously dependent on Russia for 24% of its gas and 27% of oil. This dependence should be mutual. Russia wants us to guarantee long-term partnership, but we want Russia to guarantee reliable supplies." (Eesti Paevaleht, June 3.)
LATVIA
A popular subject in national publications is energy independence from Russia. The sale of Mazeikiu Nafta, a Lithuanian refinery, to Poland's PKN Orlen, did not assuage the fears that Moscow will retain its role in controlling the refining business of the neighboring state. "Experts warn that it does not matter for Russian oil companies who owns the MN. Should the Kremlin decide to put pressure on the Lithuanian concern, it can easily do so with the help of the state-controlled pipeline monopoly, Transneft. Many experts point out that once the Polish company has acquired the MN, Russia may cease oil supplies to the refinery, given the tensions between Moscow and Warsaw. There are also suggestions that when oil contracts are signed with Poland, they will include broader terms, such as Russian companies' liberalized access to the Polish market." (Dienas bizness, June 2.)
LITHUANIA
Leading national publications are trying to assuage people's fears that the transaction with Mazeikiu Nafta may be part of a plan devised by Russia. "Russia is the leading energy supplier. It would be hard to find an alternative source now. So the problem of energy supply and demand can really be used as a tool of political pressure on the region. Lithuania should be moving in two directions: looking for alternative sources without disrupting its links with Russia... People often think that the Kremlin is a good chess player who sees a few moves in advance. Usually, however, it sees only one or, at best, two moves in advance. The Kremlin never plans schemes that involve many moves... We do not want to accept that Mazeikiu Nafta is part of a conspiracy hatched by Russian authorities. (Lietuvos rytas, June 2.) "This is Lithuania's last attempt to protect its largest industrial enterprise from Russia's political and economic pressure." (Lietuvos rytas, June 3.)
UKRAINE
The press portrays the anti-NATO scandal in the Crimea as proof that Moscow cannot come to terms with Kiev's independent policies. "The events in Feodosia [mass protests against admitting NATO troops to the peninsula] are one more example of Russia's move against Ukraine... an attempt to put pressure on Ukraine and force it to change it course." (Glavred, June 1.)
Russia's withdrawal from the An-70 aircraft joint project is seen as another sanction for Ukraine's rapprochement with NATO. "The Kremlin... is trying to change Ukraine's stance on NATO membership... The gas war and the meat embargo have not yielded the desired result. Apparently, the aircraft confrontation is doomed to the same fate." (Gulyai Pole, the Russian-Ukrainian review, June 1.)
"Orange revolutionaries are determined to join some organization in the West at any price... The Kremlin counter-revolutionaries have no intention of giving up their plans to punish the Orange team... Given the current oil and gas prices, Russia can afford it." (Versii, May 31.)
MOLDOVA
Observers believe that Moscow is increasingly distancing itself from the West and forming an alliance that will become an alternative to the CIS. The press urges the government to finally choose the West. "The Russian president intends to head a union of nations that would provide a counterbalance to the West despite what Americans or Europeans may say... In such circumstances, bargaining is inevitable, and Transdnestr will be one of its issues... [Moldovan] President Vladimir Voronin, regardless of his political likes and dislikes, has to show the West that he can play not only for himself, but also for the team, for Moldova's friends, of whom U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney spoke in Vilnius [on May 4]." (Flux, June 2.)
ARMENIA
Another murder of an Armenian in Russia [Artur Sardaryan, 19, was murdered in a Moscow commuter train on May 25] is the main event of the week. Armenian mass media portray Russia as a country where xenophobia has spread dangerously far, aided by the Kremlin's indifference and law-enforcement bodies' neglect. "This monstrous crime, which has become so common in Russia, was committed immediately after another young Armenian man had been killed in the Moscow metro, at the hands of these Russian cutthroats. At that time everyone hoped that the authorities would do everything to bring the offenders to justice and, more importantly, to give an adequate legal and political assessment to the tragedy. But it has not happened. It quickly became obvious that Russian law-enforcement officials, who rate no higher in public opinion that the skinheads (judging by survey results), are trying to make the Armenian's death look like a domestic murder." (Aravot, May 31.) "The Russian government does not do anything to prevent or at least seriously investigate these crimes... The inactivity of the Russian authorities speaks for itself." (Azg, June 6.)
Experts are worried about the situation in Georgia, where local Armenians have been holding more frequent protests against the withdrawal of the Russian military base from Akhalkalaki. To preserve its influence in the region Russia is quite capable of kindling tensions using local Armenians as a bargaining chip, analysts say. "The aggravation of Russian-Georgian relations may change Armenia's geopolitical standing in the Southern Caucasus. Russia is withdrawing its military bases from Akhalkalaki and Batumi. Instead, it is increasing the strength of its troops in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which can be seen as Moscow's last desperate move. Russia has virtually exhausted its political, economic and psychological resources trying to bring Georgia on its knees. Now it can only cling to the South Ossetian and Abkhazian conflicts and to the possibility of kindling separatism in Georgia." (Aikakan Zhamanak, June 6.)
GEORGIA
Georgian media regard Russian peacekeeper rotation in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone as another Russian move provoking Georgia to use force in the area. Experts accuse Russia of deliberately seeking to unleash war. "Experts close to the Kremlin are now openly saying that pro-Moscow separatist regimes will receive Russian military aid in case Georgia attempts to bring them back under its jurisdiction ... There is an impression of Moscow seeking to avenge Washington in the Cold War style, and stage a coup d'etat to replace Saakashvili's pro-American rule with a pro-Russian regime." (Rezonansi, June 1.) "What Russia wants is war. That is evident ... Military occupation of Georgian regions goes on. More troops are introduced [in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict zone]. Developments in Abkhazia are quite similar." (24 Saati, June 2.) "The North Caucasian Military District Commander says units in his subordination are ready to repulse 'Georgian provocations.' Paramilitary formation members under [President of the self-proclaimed South Ossetian Republic Eduard] Kokoity are digging trenches on the approaches to Georgian-populated villages, while Russian-based media outlets openly allege that the official Tbilisi is starting warfare in South Ossetia ... As Tbilisi sees it, the Kremlin is out to provoke military clashes in the Tskhinvali Region." (Rezonansi, June 2.)
AZERBAIJAN
Kremlin's imperialist ambitions have led a radical rehashing of its South Caucasian policies, local media conclude. "The visit of [Russia's Defense Minister] Sergei Ivanov to Baku aims to set up a Russia-Azerbaijan-Iran axis to confront the growing U.S. influence in the Caspian region, Mideastern countries and the Gulf. There are certain grounds for such conjectures: Baku shifting its foreign policies in Moscow's favor, and an unexpected improvement of Azerbaijani-Iranian relations. The two countries' officials are referring to prospects for a Teheran-Baku alliance." (Zerkalo, June1.)
The Moscow intention to put the revision of the Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty on the agenda is regarded as crucial for Azerbaijan. "As Moscow makes it understood, it has been forced to pose the CFE revision issue by the 'situation changed' since the time when the treaty was concluded: NATO enlargement is going ahead, its infrastructure is coming closer to the Russian frontiers, and agreements have to be adapted to the new situation ... Resumed CFE negotiations will mean a more certain geopolitical status and added guarantees of political security for Azerbaijan, as well as a chance to raise the issue of arsenals unaccounted for in the 'local conflict' zones - to be more precise, in the territories outside legitimate authorities' control, which are never inspected, though there are plenty of troops there. Then, the Russian initiative will turn into a major political test for Azerbaijan, a test that contains many dangers and numerous opportunities alike." (Ekho, June 1.)
KAZAKHSTAN
As experts see it, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization may make an alternative to NATO if Moscow and Beijing prove able to determine the borders of influence in Central and South Asia. "The U.S. did not want Russia to have an enriched uranium processing plant. Neither does it want Iran to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization... Along with China and the SCO, a threat to American interests is inevitable. The fate of the U.S. military base in Kyrgyzstan is hanging by a thread. Everyone can see that. China has sufficient resources to offer [Kyrgyz President] Kurmanbek Bakiev an alternative to loyalty to the United States... The SCO can eventually offer a tangible alternative to NATO, the U.S., and to all Western values without exception." (Gazera.kz, June 1.)
KYRGYZSTAN
Media point out that as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is gaining strength, Russia's influence in the region is building up to come as another incentive to a further Moscow-Bishkek rapprochement. Closer cooperation with Russia promises to improve Kyrgyzstan's political image and revive its national economy as, unlike Washington, the Kremlin does not regard that country as a mere raw material appendage, and has no intention to influence its domestic policies. "Kyrgyzstan has been on the threshold of the three worlds for many years, thinking into which to integrate. The Islamic world appeared the closest - but it has great many problems now. As the experience of the post-Soviet Central Asian countries shows, orientation on the U.S. capital reveals, sooner or later, its interest in 'pumping out' [resources]... The republic can settle many problems with Russian assistance... However, certain officials are frightening off potential investors... What worries the investors is not only the seizure of private property but also the criminalization of business, and its defenseless state... Bad treatment of investors may lead to huge losses." (Kabar, June 2.)
UZBEKISTAN
The official press regards Russia-EU relations in the context of the West opposing Russian interests. Russia can offer a symmetrical response, journalists warn. "Certain countries in Central and Eastern Europe are measuring their step on their trans-Atlantic patrons, who are supporting 'color revolutions' in the post-Soviet space. All that has a dire effect on Russian relations with the European Union. A U.S. politician was right as he warned against touching the sleeping bear... Interference in domestic affairs under the pretext of protecting human rights and democracy, and shrugging off Russia's interests on the international scene awakened the bear. The recent summit in Sochi proved the point, in which Russian interests clashed with the Western." (XXI ASR, June 1.)
TAJIKISTAN
Commentators are referring to a new stage of relations between the U.S., Russia and China. Russia's and China's strengthening positions, as they consolidate forces in projects that run counter to the U.S. interests, are changing the geopolitical situation. "Apart from manufacturing new kinds of arms, Beijing is importing arms from Russia, among other countries. This displeases the Pentagon... As for the Iranian nuclear program, Russia and China have taken a stance aiming to rescue Iran from whatever sanctions and an armed attack... As it appears, the U.S. is no longer able to dictate its terms to such international organizations as the UN Security Council". (Nadzhot, June 1.)
RIA Novosti is not responsible for the content of outside sources.
