RIA Novosti, Russia
Feb 7 2005

The CIS and Baltic Press on Russia

[parts omitted]

ARMENIA

The media are critical of a PACE resolution on Yukos.

Newspapers fear the United States might seize the initiative from
Russia in the Karabakh settlement. However, Armenian newsmakers
criticize Russia’s role in efforts to improve Armenian-Turkish
relations.

As it is preoccupied with own problems, Russia’s interest in Armenia
will dwindle soon, some newspapers predict. The opposition papers
criticize Russia for its support of the Armenian authorities.

Newspapers are worried about that will happen to Armenia in view of
the further difficulties between Russia and the U.S.

“The Iraq issue became a kind of watershed for Armenia: we will
either continue pursing a Russia-oriented policy or withdraw from
Russia’s zone of influence. (Pakagits. 26.01.2005)

Russia’s base in Akhalkalaki is great support for the local Armenian
community, contrary to what Tbilisi has declared on the matter, write
the papers.

AZERBAIJAN

Russia has lost influence in Georgia and Azerbaijan, which have
emphasized their pro-American positions, write Azerbaijani
newspapers. Seeking to restore the balance of forces, Russia might
allegedly support an Armenian military assault (which is under
preparation) against Azerbaijan. “The Karabakh conflict has been used
by Moscow from the very beginning as an instrument of pressure both
on Azerbaijan and Armenia, renewed warfare is not just speculation in
the present circumstances.” (Ekho. 27.01.2005)

A statement made by Yury Merzlyakov, Russia’s co-chairman of the OSCE
Minsk Group, who proposed treating Nagorny Karabakh as an equal party
to the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, has stirred a new wave of
accusations of “a pro-Armenian position” against Moscow.

The opposition media believe a “velvet revolution” is quite possible
in Russia after the Kremlin lost much of its authority as a result of
failures in Georgia and Ukraine.

“Russia’s current economic situation can prompt the people to rise
one day and stage another ‘Bolshevik’ revolution.” (Eni Musavat,
28.01.2005).