RIA Novosti, Russia
July 1 2005
Opinion & analysis
THE CIS AND BALTIC PRESS ON RUSSIA
[parts omitted]
ARMENIA
Russia’s decision to relocate part of the weapons from Georgia to the
town of Gyumri is still a very painful subject for Armenia. “The
statement by the head of the Russian General Staff on the intention
to redeploy a military base from Georgia to Gyumri, made without
preliminary agreement with Armenia, demonstrates once again Russia’s
imperial approach to its ‘outpost'”. (Aib Fe, June 28.) “Considering
the quality of combat equipment that is being relocated to Gyumri, it
is safe to say that this is a junk heap. The withdrawal of Russian
bases to Armenia is rather a psychological factor, first of all, for
Russia”. (Aravot June 25.)
The media note Russia’s opposition to Armenia’s plans for energy
independence. “The agreement on the construction of an
Armenian-Iranian gas main is humiliating for Armenia because due to
the small diameter of the pipe, gas will only be supplied to the
Razdan thermal power station, placed under the ownership of the
Russian Federation. Hence, Gazprom’s monopoly in Armenia will be
preserved. In 2-3 years, the Armenian nuclear power plant working on
Russian uranium will pose a serious threat to every living thing in
the republic”. (Aib Fe, June 28.)
AZERBAIJAN
Anti-Armenian sentiments are increasingly shaping Russia’s image in
Azerbaijan. “Since the 1999 Istanbul agreement, Russia, instead of
discharging its obligations, has started to additionally arm its sole
strategic partner and a reliable outpost in the South Caucasus –
Armenia.” (Ekho, June 24). “The reason for Azerbaijan increasing its
military spending is that Russia is moving military bases from
Georgia to Armenia”, said President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.”
(Day.Az. June 25.)
The press continues to cover the Kremlin’s alleged pro-Armenian
course. In particular, the appointment of Margarita Simonyan as head
of the Russia Today information TV channel is seen as evidence of an
anti-Azerbaijani slant in Russian media policy. “The appointment of
an Armenian woman as director of Russia Today should be seen solely
in terms of Russia’s pro-Armenian policy, since putting an Armenian
in charge of state policy propaganda in such a multi-ethnic state as
Russia cannot be viewed as anything other than idiotic.” (Express,
June 24.)
The media is paying increasing attention to Baltic experience. In
particular, it is proposed to lay claims against Russia in line with
the ‘Baltic model’. “A special commission should be formed to
calculate the sum Russia must pay to Azerbaijan to compensate for the
damage inflicted on this country when it was part of Russia and then
the USSR.” (Ekho, June 28.)
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress