ESTONIA
The press extensively covers an article by Russian President Vladimir Putin about Russia's partnership with the European Union, which was carried by The Financial Times. Analysts see a hidden threat to Estonia and Latvia in Puitin's words about the rights of national minorities in the EU. "We would like to hope that Russian-speaking minorities in Estonia and Latvia are not a top priority in Russia-EU relations. Luckily, this time the Kremlin has chosen the right tone - Estonia and Latvia were not mentioned (as distinct from several previous articles). Yet, it is clear from Vladimir Putin's words that his main objective is an agreement with the EU. It is indicative that in his opinion Russia is joining the European family. On what terms it wants to join it is another matter. This is what we still have to find out." (Postimees, November 23).
The media had a very negative reaction to the revelations made in the archive documents published by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). It appears that in 1940, the United States and Britain agreed to the introduction of Soviet troops into the Baltic. "This American attitude to the events of World War II gives Moscow a good chance for counter propaganda - if the Western countries want to put ashes on their heads, the Russians will be happy to help. One gets the impression that the Western states were at least accomplices in the annexation and unfair occupation of the Baltic nations during 50 years, if not the culprits... According to the SVR, Western democracies qualified the ousting of the pro-German regimes and the introduction of Soviet troops to the region as an 'unpleasant but necessary and timely measure'." (Eesti Paevaleht, November 27).
Some national papers are disavowing the Estonian version, which blames the Russians for the occupation of the Baltic. "The October revolution was not a great Russian undertaking. It was rather the other way round. The revolution in the empire was masterminded by foreigners - Jews and Georgians, Armenians and Poles, Latvian riflemen and even Estonians - as much as they could... The Kremlin's economic policy in the 1960s-1980s does not fit in with the notion of occupation, either. At that time, Estonia and other 'occupied' nations were flooded with subsidies, whereas collective farmers somewhere in Russia's Yaroslavl Region did not have enough to eat... Can you imagine Hitler spending money on upgrading the French ballet if his Bavarian burghers had no wurst?" (SL Ohtuleht, November 24).
LATVIA
Commenting on the Russia-EU summit in Finland, the press notes that Europe has failed to adopt a common position on Russia because of Poland's economic interests. "The Poles (who have blocked EU-Moscow talks) managed to draw support from some EU members, including France, Sweden, Lithuania and Estonia... Latvia's decision not to support Poland is particularly striking against this background... Apparently, when weighing its 'interests' against 'common values' with the EU, Russia preferred the former... A bigger EU finds it difficult to agree on a common stand on Russia." (Diena, November 24).
The press writes about Russia's decision to limit the imports of European seafood. Experts note that Riga only gains from this decision because Latvia can occupy the niche of the European seafood exporters to Russia. "There is a new turn in the fish war declared by Russia. It has now limited the imports of seafood not only from Latvia, but also from other EU countries, and from Ukraine. The official reason is struggle against smuggling and fake documents. As a result, raw and processed fish is now outlawed... Latvia has the honor of becoming a 'fish bridge' between Russia and the rest of Europe." (Telegraf, November 27).
LITHUANIA
The local media have lashed out at Putin's words about Russia joining the European family, which appeared in an article published on the eve of the Russia-EU summit. "When President Vladimir Putin writes that 'Russia is a natural member of the 'European family' in spirit, history and culture', something is wrong here. Up to now the diplomats of the EU and Lithuania, in particular, have been talking about a community of values in order to prove - more often to themselves - that Russia belongs to the same family. Few people are likely to believe this in Russia... The speed with which the old conduct and old values were restored (by Putin in Russia) is not enough to assert that the giant abyss at the eastern borders of the Baltic nations is an exclusive product of the political regime. Russia does not exist as a European nation, has never existed, and will hardly become one in the future. The European Union seems to be rapidly approaching the point when it will have to admit that the strategy of involving Russia has not justified itself, and that Putin's advisors were right when they talked about 'sovereign' democracy, just as U.S. President George W. Bush was correct when he spoke about a 'Russian style' democracy." (Atgimimas, November 25).
Some publications describe the summit in Helsinki as Moscow's tactical loss. "It appears that Russia, which presents itself as the 'energy superpower', is beset with foreign policy setbacks. The meeting in Helsinki has shown that even for lack of strong unity, Europe has managed to resist Russia's dictate and make it moderate its tone. As usual, the Kremlin rejects the idea that bad relations with neighbors have a political context." (Verslo zinios, November 27).
The media are making numerous assumptions about the reasons for the death of former FSB (Federal Security Service) officer Alexander Litvinenko. The most popular version is the Kremlin-planned revenge of Russian security services against the traitor. Some commentators believe that this death should "wake up the Western public." "This was an incredibly professional and sadistic murder at one and the same time. They have murdered him (Litvinenko) out of hatred and vengeance. A power struggle is going on in Moscow, and he has fallen its victim." (Respublika, November 25). "The West must open its eyes at long last - the Kremlin regime of Vladimir Putin can only be described as barbarian. He does not negotiate with his opponents but destroys them. We shall soon see more similar incidents." (Lietuvos rytas, November 25). "The poisons used to remove objectionable people are an old trick of the Russian secret services, which they adopted way back in the horrible times of the Cold War. This lot has quite recently befallen Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, whose face is still disfigured." (Panorama, December 28).
UKRAINE
The media emphasize Ukraine's desperate position, because of which it has to display excessive tolerance in dialogue with Moscow. "President Viktor Yushchenko went (to the CIS summit in Minsk) to talk with Putin... It is easy to guess how roles are cast in such talks - who is 'going cap in hand' and who is the 'do-gooder'... Off the record, Ukrainian officials admit that Yushchenko has to 'bow' to Putin." (Russian-Ukrainian review Gulyai pole, November 28).
The press qualifies a statement by Russian Chief Epidemiologist Gennady Onishchenko about a possible embargo on Ukrainian wine as a prelude to Russia-staged new economic and political play. According to the media, Moscow will not only manage to oust its Ukrainian competitors from the market, but will also expand its presence in Ukraine by exchanging economic favors for Kiev's political concessions. "Is it a political issue once again?... At first, it was Georgian wine, then Moldovan, now it's Ukraine's turn." (Oligarch.net, Nobember 27).
MOLDOVA
Supporting the widespread version about the Kremlin's involvement in Litvinenko's murder, commentators have lashed out at the Russian authorities. "Litvinenko was the author of sensational statements about complicity of Russian security services in assassination attempts and acts of terror, and about Russian society sliding into totalitarianism. Regrettably, he was right. Intoxicated with high oil and gas prices, the Russian leaders have chosen the road which leads the country away from advanced world democracies... Putin describes his regime as a 'sovereign democracy.' Apparently, he is talking about a Russian crossbreed of ostrich with a camel that is trying to combine a market economy with a nationalist dictatorship. (Jurnal de Chisinau, November 28).
ARMENIA
The media are discussing the recent statement by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza to the effect that for the time being the United States is more interested in preserving stability in Armenia than in supporting the development of democracy there. Journalists observe that having given up hopes for Washington's support, some opposition members have rushed to express their loyalty to Moscow. "Bryza's recent statement has made many opposition members realize that there is no point in relying on U.S. help for the change of power. This may explain why the Western wing of the opposition has become so passive of late. This is also why the U.S. position has compelled many to look north - in the direction of Moscow." (168 zham, November 22).
In turn, the "incorruptible" opposition has lashed out in the media against the political parties which are ready to do anything in exchange for Moscow's support. "Russia is again threatening Armenia's independence... There is a real struggle between the Armenian politicians who are willing to prove their loyalty to Russia... Leaders of practically all political parties are lining up to get Moscow's approval." (Aikakan Zhamanak, November 25).
GEORGIA
The media continue to concentrate on Tbilisi's position on Russia's WTO entry. The press ironically comments on categorical statements by the recently appointed Georgian Minister of Economic Development Georgy Arveladze about the terms on which Georgia may agree to Russia's accession to the WTO. "For the time being, Tbilisi can either stay silent or shout. Russia will be accepted to the WTO at the end of 2007. Until then, Arveladze and others can boast that they won't let Russia join the WTO... Eventually, the decision will be made in the White House... With his loud statements, Arveladze put the president in an embarrassing position. Later on, Saakashvili will have to make excuses and retreat." (Alia, November 23).
Analysts emphasize that the US-Kremlin agreements on the WTO have already predetermined further developments. "Georgia is an American partner, and if the U.S. supports Russia's WTO entry, our authorities will not block it, either. (Akhali Taoba, November 28). "The European Union stands for Russia's accession to the WTO, and this position is directly linked with Europe's energy security and gas supplies. Willy-nilly, Georgia will have to accept this... Today, the world is making many concessions to Russia. It is enough to recall how Moscow imposed an embargo on Estonian produce. Today, Estonia is an influential WTO member, but the Kremlin is not going to remove this barrier." (Gruzia Online, November 24).
The press calls into doubt the hopes of the authorities to replace Russian gas supplies with Iranian and Azeri fuel in the coming winter. Experts fear that Azerbaijan and Iran may give in to Russian pressure. "There is a problem with Russia..., which says pointblank that if Azeri gas comes to Georgia by transit, its price will grow." (Novosti-Gruzia, November 11). "Azerbaijan could have serious problems if it supplies Georgia with natural gas. Needless to say, it will not leave its own population without gas, of which it is short. Russia may put Azerbaijan into the same position as Georgia by raising gas prices... Russia may also bring pressure to bear on Iran in the Security Council, and it will not supply us with gas, either." (Rezonansi, Gruzia, November 23).
AZERBAIJAN
Noting the worsening of Russian-Azeri relations because of Baku's shift to the West, the opposition media are predicting a tough response from the Kremlin.
"The Russian carrot-and-stick policy in energy supplies has reached Azerbaijan. In the last few years, the Kremlin has turned prices on energy carriers into a useful instrument. A price on natural gas depends on your answer to the question: 'Are you with the West or with Russia?'
It is common knowledge that Azerbaijan likes to please everyone. But there is no ideal equilibrium in international policy, and after another rounds of talks with the West and Russia, the scales are likely to teeter towards the West... As a result, next year we will have to gradually forget all about Russian energy and natural gas supplies." (Zerkalo, November 22).
The press is accusing Gazprom of obstructing Azeri natural gas exports to Turkey. "In 2007, Russia is planning to transport to Azerbaijan 1.5 billion cubic meters of gas in view of the commissioning of the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline in the near future. Azerbaijan is planning to use the pipeline in order to deliver gas from the Shakhdeniz deposit to Georgia and Turkey, and, before long, to other European countries... In fact, Russia is putting Azerbaijan on the horns of a dilemma - Baku should give up its intention to sell gas to Turkey, or it will have to pay double for Russian gas." (525 gazeti, November 25).
KAZAKHSTAN
The media call into question the assumption that former FSB officer Alexander Litvinenko accused the Russian President of his death in a premortal note. The fact that the accusation was made public after Livinenko's death allows journalists to ascribe it to the people who have a stake in discrediting Vladimir Putin. "The former FSB Lt.-Colonel had enough time to blame his death on the Kremlin. He would have been trusted. But he did not say anything... Litvinenko was dying long enough to accuse and expose everyone he wanted... Now other people - berezovskys, zakayevs and all the others with whom the former officer was so close and open - will have to lie on his behalf." (Nomad, November 28).
KYRGYZSTAN
The media write about growing xenophobic and neo-Nazi attitudes in Russia, and quote examples of almost slave-like existence of guest workers there. "Teams of Kyrgyz and Uzbeks almost never leave their work places. They sleep on mattresses without linen... They came to Moscow in the hope of earning good money... but have not been paid for three months. They are only given money for bread. The employer owes the team 200,000 rubles, but does not answer the telephone." (Obshchestvenny rating, November 24).
UZBEKISTAN
Observers write that Moscow is drafting a new concept of economic support for those CIS countries which will conduct friendly policies towards Russia. "Economic assistance to other countries should bring political dividends to Russia by portraying its appealing image of a donor... Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan will be priority recipients of aid... It will not be granted gratis, but will be determined by a friendly policy towards Russia." (Fergana.Ru. November 23).
TAJIKISTAN
Some publications write about contradictions between CIS members in the context of their summit in Minsk. They emphasize that now that relations with Moscow are rapidly deteriorating, Alexander Lukashenko is more and more persistent in seeking friendship with Ukraine, and criticizing Russia. "Having assailed the Orange Revolution more than once, the Belarusian leader said that he has always had empathy for Yushchenko. He added that if there were a union between Belarus and Ukraine, everyone would respect it... But speaking about fraternal relations between Belarusian and Ukrainian people, and strong trade and economic ties between the two countries, Lukashenko kept drifting to the issue of Belarusian energy security. "Russia is trying to keep Belarus on a short leash with oil and gas, he said." (Asia-Plus, November 27)
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