Sunday, September 25, 2011

Serbia

Director of the Program on Transparency Vladimir Goati stated in a press conference that there is only limited progress concerning corruption in Serbia. He likened the process of transparency in Serbia to Erich Maria Remarque’s book Im Westen Nichts Neues (All Quiet on the Northern Front) stating that there is much talk on the subject while no objectives are reached. Goati stressed that the gulf between the planning of ambitious goals and the enactment thereof posed the toughest to overcome in fighting corruption prior to Serbia’s accession to the EU.

“Goati: Nema većeg napretka u borbi protiv koupcije”. Ekonom East Group. accessed September 19, 2011. emg.rs/vesti/srbija/164257.html

Serbia and Kosovo

Early last week, Serbians have reinforced their roadblocks having elevated some up to five meters while cementing others thereby making the north south passage between Kosovo and Serbia nearly impossible. Big vehicles such as buses are unable to pass while Serbs use the streets they have under their control. The situation in Northern Kosovo remained relatively quiet except for Albanian provocation towards the Serbs on the barricades. According to a Beta correspondent, audible “burts” were directed from Košutovo toward the barricades while Koha Ditore, the Kosova newspaper, affirmed the relative quiet adding that due to the tense situation, additional regional as well as international forces were positioned in Northern Kosovo. Koha Ditore confirmed the “shooting” incident stating that it had nothing to do with the current situation in Northern Kosovo adding that the reinforcement of Serb roadblocks in Rudare was made possible with the aid of Zvonko Vaselinović, a member of the organized crime.

Regarding the possible deployment of Kosovar border control on the Jarinje and Brnjak crossing, Secretary of State for Kosovo and Metohija Oliver Ivanović stated that Serbs felt as if Kosovo was divided into two. He criticized Serbs who reside in Northern Kosovo of passivity adding that their future too is uncertain should Southern Kosovo “fall”.

Meanwhile, the Pristina newspaper Zëri quoted an unanimous foreign source as having stated that it would be best to put Northern Kosovo under international administration so as to avoid violence and conflict. A quick solution to the current situation in Northern Kosovo was not to be expected quoted Zëri further. While Serbia as well as Kosovo seem to agree on the presence of international troops, they disagree as to their preference. Kosovo prefers EU presence while Serbia favors the UN. All circumstances that unravel on Kosovo should be subject to the UN, said Tadić following a meeting with NATO’s General Secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Serbia will not, nor will it in the future acknowledge Kosovo’s independence. During a meeting with the EU’s High Representative Kathrin Ashton, Tadić asserted that Serbia will not abandon its principles but that it nevertheless seeks to solve the existing predicaments with the Albanian population.

“Tadić: Beograd ostaje privržen dijalogu”. Politika Online. accessed September 25, 2011. www.politika.rs/rubrike/Politika/Tadic-Beograd-ostaje-privržen-dijalogu.lt.html

“Zëri: Sever Kosova možda pod međunarodnom upravom”. Ekonom East Group. accessed September 20, 2011. www.emg.rs/vesti/srbija/164189.html

“Albanci nervozni zbog barikada, na Kosovo ušlo 50 kamiona srpske robe”. Ekonom East Group. accessed September 18, 2011. www.emg.rs/vesti/srbija/164189.html

Serbia and the EU

Vice President of Serbia’s Progressive Party (SNS) Aleksandar Vučić stated that Serbia ought to go forward with regard to its EU integration plans regardless of the previous, and ongoing, incidents in Kosovo. However, he assured that Serbia will continue to protect its territorial sovereignty whereas he laid blame on Albanian authorities as well as EULEX stating that their actions were illegal. Vučić also blamed President Tadić, specifically his inaction whereby he preferred to attend Novak Đoković’s tennis match while Serb citizens erected barricades. Vučić further stated that Tadić and the Democratic Party (DS) were allegedly falling out of favor with Serb citizens. The majority of Serb citizens of Kosovo no longer wish to attend meetings with the head of Belgrade’s Negotiation Team Borislav Stefanović and the Minister for KiM Goran Bogdanović said the SNS politician to proof his point adding that the current government's action are deceiving the population.

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Božidar Đelić meanwhile stated upon a meeting with European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle that Serbia has made a great step forward regarding Serbias’ EU candidacy. Notable progress was made in key areas including reforms of the judiciary and the enactment of laws on restitution and public property. However, the commencement date of negotiation will be subject to further efforts on the Serbian side and is dependent on Serbia’s actions regarding Kosovo. Further points of debate will be policies regarding the telecommunications as well as energy sectors. Đeli concluded, however, that Serbia fulfilled most of the conditions as of yet and he believed in a positive outcome regarding the Commissions decisions regarding Serbia’s EU candidacy on the 12th of October of this year. In addition, there have been to forthright statements that Serbia would lose its EU candidacy were the current status quo on Kosovo to prevail.

“Stefanović: O prelazima u Briselu”. B92. accessed September 25, 2011. www.B92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=09&dd=25&nav_category=640&nav_id=544515

“Uticaj na Brnjaka i Jarinja na stav Evropske komisije”. Polikika Online. accessed September 25, 2011. www.politika.rs/rubrike/Politika/Uticaj-Brnjaka-i-Jarinja-na-stav-Evropske-komisije.lt.html

“Vučić: Srbiji potreban napredak i pored priblizavanje EU”. Ekonom East Group. accessed September 18, 2011. www.emg.rs/vesti/srbija/164201.html

“File: Postigla značajne resultate”. Ekonom East Group. accessed September 19, 2011. www.emg.rs/vesti/rs/vesti/srbija/164192.html

Serbia and NATO

Regarding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) plan to set up a U.S. missile defense shield on the Romanian air base Deveselu, which caused Russia’s pronouncement to take reciprocal measures by which it seeks to establish bases aiming at NATO’s missiles, professor for security and expert for geopolitics Miša Mišović stated that “we live in an era of a new Cold War”. Mišović explains that NATO’s reasoning includes the desire to exhaust Russia economically. The construction of missile defense systems, for instance, is expensive, yet, Russia is compelled to answer to NATO’s actions given NATO’s deployment of missiles close Russia’s border. As for Belgrade, the employment of the missile defense systems is less than 200 km away from its border and is affecting the state greatly as it increases the sensitivity of Serbia. The problem, says Mišović, is that Serbia’s Air Force has become obsolete due to old age. The deployment of missiles is a provocation to all of South-Eastern European and Balkan states because of the great financial costs should individual states seeks to maintain the necessary level of security. Serbia, says the professor, has two choices; Belgrade can increase its defense and security budged thereby impoverishing the state further, or not invest in defense and security at all. Milan Mijalkovski, expert in security and intelligence issues, said that the Alliance is not likely to push Serbian membership. The reason as to NATO’s decision is to deploy psychological and economical pressure on Russia, and not nuclear warfare. However, says Mijalkovski, one who possesses power is always tempted to use it and in this case, Serbia is likely to become collateral damage. He added that the problem is not solely due to the Deveselu missiles, but also because of U.S. bases in Kosovo. In a worst case scenario, however, not only Serbia, but all of South-Eastern Europe would be at risk due to the Kozloduy nuclear power plant that is located in Bulgaria.

“Štit NATO je pretnja i za Srbiju”. B92. accessed September 24, 2011.www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2011&mm=09&dd=24&nav_category=11&nav_id-544409

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Eurasian News This Week

Russia-China - The Russian-Chinese military and technical cooperation became more active in 2011. Representatives of Russia and China discussed the bilateral military and military-technical cooperation at the 16th session of the intergovernmental commission on military-technical cooperation, which was held in Moscow on Friday. The meeting was held by the heads of the intergovernmental commission Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and Deputy Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China, Colonel-General Guo Boxiong. Documents were signed as the results of the discussions.

According to the head of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport Anatoly Isaikin, China's share in Rosoboronexport's order portfolio has exceeded 4%. "Our ties have gone up in 2011 - the value of aviation and aircraft construction contracts, including for the delivery of the Al-31F and Al-31FN engines, has nearly reached $1 billion."

Russia-Kazakhstan - Army of Russia and Kazakhstan will conduct a series of military exercises on the interaction of the armies and navies in 2012. In addition, Russia and Kazakhstan intend to create a unified system of air defense (AD) in the near future. It will be similar to those existing in Russia, Belarus and Armenia. That plan would allow Kazakhstan to buy Russia’s newest surface-to-air missile, the S-400, which presently is not sold abroad. However, analysts say lack of Russian production capacity means Kazakhstan won’t receive the missiles before 2014. Kazakhstan wants the entire Russian line of air defence systems, including the Pantsir-S1 (SA-22 Greyhound) system, Zhasuzakov said.

Uzbekista-China - Chairman of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress Wu Bangguo arrived in Tashkent on September 20 and met with Uzbek President Islam Karimov on September 23, when the latter praised his country’s growing ties to China. China is a “great neighbour” that soon will have the world’s largest economy, Karimov said. Wu and Karimov oversaw the signing of various trade and economic co-operation agreements. During the visit, the Chinese delegation to Uzbekistan also signed several documents on cooperation in technical, economic, oil and gas, chemical and mining industries. Uzbekistan is expected to start exporting natural gas to China next year. Also, the two states vowed to ramp up trade turnover to $5 billion by the end of 2015, an increase of 2.5 times.

Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan - KyrgyzGaz Chairman Turgunbek Kulmurazyev told RFE/RL Kazakhstani Prime Minister Karim Massimov and Kyrgyz negotiators agreed September 16 to swap Kazakhstani natural gas for Kyrgyz water, RFE/RL reported. However, southern Kazakhstan and northern Kyrgyzstan buy Uzbek gas because there are no pipelines from resource-rich western Kazakhstan. Kazakhstani gas for Kyrgyz consumption would have to pass through Uzbek territory on the Bukhara-Tashkent-Bishkek-Almaty pipeline. Kyrgyzstan has complained about the Uzbek gas price of US $278 per 1,000 cu. m. It hopes to buy 300m cu. m of Kazakhstani gas by April at a still-undecided price.

Turkmenistan - Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov called for study of energy transportation possibilities between the Caspian and Black seas and Central Asia and the Middle East, UN Radio’s Russian service reported September 23. Addressing the UN General Assembly September 23, Berdymukhamedov suggested an Inter-regional Energy Dialogue under the UN’s aegis. He envisioned Russia, China, the EU, and countries of Central and South Asia, the Near and Middle East, and the Caspian, Black and Baltic Sea basins as members.


Articles referred to in this post:

"РФ и Китай обсудили военные и военно-технические связи" (Russia and China discussed military and military-technical ties)

"Russia-China aviation ties worth nearly $1bn - Rosoboronexport"

"Россия и Казахстан создадут совместную систему ПВО" (Russia and Kazakhstan set up a joint air defense system)

"Глава законодателей Китая У Банго прибыл в Узбекистан" (The head of China's legislature Wu Bangguo arrives in Uzbekistan)

"Каримов хвалит узбекские связи с Китаем" (Karimov praises Uzbek links with China)

"Китай и Узбекистан выходят на новый уровень нефте-газового сотрудничества" (China and Uzbekistan reach a new level of cooperation in oil and gas)

"Узбекистан и Китай планируют к 2015 году увеличить двусторонний торговый оборот в два раза (Uzbekistan and China plan to double bilateral trade turnover by 2015)

"Китай начинает реализацию промышленных проектов в Узбекистане" (China launches its industrial projects in Uzbekistan)

"Кыргызы надеются купить казахский газ" (Kyrgyzstan hopes to buy Kazakh gas)

"Бердымухамедов призывает к межрегиональному энергетическому сотрудничеству" (Berdymukhamedov calls for inter-regional energy co-operation)
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Sunday, September 18, 2011

Eurasian News This Week

Russia-China - Trade between Russia and China is recovering after the global economic crisis and it may reach USD 70 billion this year, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with China's top legislator Wu Bangguo Wednesday. "The growth is significant. If the trend continues, our trade may reach some $70 billion this year, $100 billion in 2015 and $200 billion by 2020," Putin said during a meeting with Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Wu Bangguo. During the meeting, Bangguo invited Putin to visit China, and the Russian premier accepted the invitation, saying he would visit the country in October.

Russia and China also plan to cooperate in the construction of floating nuclear power plants (PAES). This was reported today CEO of the state corporation "Rosatom" Sergey Kiriyenko, after a meeting of the Russian-Chinese sub-commission on nuclear issues. According to Kiriyenko, the Chinese side has shown great interest in the Russian nuclear project.

Russia-Kazakhstan - Presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia Nursultan Nazarbayev and Dmitry Medvedev had a meeting September 15 in Astrakhan just before the beginning of the plenary session of the VIII interregional cooperation forum of Kazakhstan and Russia. The diplomatic relations between the two countries have gone into their 20th year already. In honor of this date, Nazarbayev proposed celebrations to be held next year. According to him, the 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations is not only a cause for celebration, but also an opportunity to summarize 20 years of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia, and to define new frontiers for further cooperation.

In addition, socio-economic cooperation and joint emergency response were also discussed in the framework of the VIII Forum interregional cooperation between the two countries. “Now 76 regions of Russia have permanent trade and economic contacts with Kazakhstan. In general interregional contacts account for 70% of the Russian trade”, Medvedev said. According to the January-June 2011 data, the mutual trade between the countries is estimated at 11.2 billion dollars. Nazarbayev noted the increased economic cooperation between the two countries the growth in turnover should largely be contributed to the Customs Union.

As part of the forum, the Ministers of Transport and Communications of the two states discussed several issues on transport cooperation. In particular, in the field of water transport the comparative analysis of the channel "Eurasia" and the Volga-Don canal is considered for additional studies in order to determine the best option of transportation from the Caspian to the Black Sea.

EU-Turkmenistan-Russia - The EU has agreed to launch talks with Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan on building a trans-Caspian gas pipeline. “Europe is now speaking with one voice,” EU Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger said. The pipeline would carry Turkmen gas to Azerbaijan, from where it could proceed to Europe. Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan signed the agreement with the EU Council on Monday. With regard to this move, the Russian government on Tuesday expressed its displeasure.

Ukraine-Turkmenistan - During Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych’s visit to Turkmenistan the two sides reached an agreement on deliveries of Turkmen gas to Ukraine. Turkmenistan might become an alternative source of gas supply to Ukraine as opposed to Russia. But the parties have yet to figure out the details of arrangements.China-Kyrgyzstan - Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said China will support the Kyrgyz government’s efforts to foster sustainable economic development, quoting China’s People’s Daily. Wen made his remarks during a meeting with Kyrgyz counterpart Almazbek Atambayev. The leaders agreed on renewing efforts to implement joint economic projects like the planned China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which they called a modern-day revival of the Silk Road. China’s Sinohydro plans to build a number of hydropower stations on the Naryn River, according to the Kyrgyz government’s press office.

Military Exercises - On the territory of the Russian regions of the Urals, the Volga region, the neighboring states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on Monday began the strategic military exercises "Center-2011." "The maneuvers, which will be held under the guidance of the Chief of Staff Armed Forces of Russia, Army General Nikolai Makarov, will be the biggest military exercise this year" - quoted from the Ministry to Interfax. During the exercise, which will last until early October, the countries will work out the questions and the application of cross-species troops and military operations in the strategic direction of Central Asia.


Articles referred to in this post:

"Товарооборот между Россией и КНР к концу года может достичь 70 млрд долларов" (Trade turnover between Russia and China could reach $ 70 billion by the end of the year)

"РФ и Китай намерены сотрудничать в области сооружения плавучих АЭС" (Russia and China to cooperate in building floating nuclear power plants)

"Президенты России и Казахстана обсудили вопросы экономического сотрудничества" (Presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan discuss economic cooperation)

“Президенты России и Казахстана обсудили вопросы экономического сотрудничества” (The presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan discuss economic cooperation)

“Россия и Казахстан планируют отметить 20-летие дипотношений” (Russia and Kazakhstan plan commemorate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations)

“Главы транспортных ведомств Казахстана и России обсудили вопросы сотрудничества” (Heads of Transport Ministries of Kazakhstan and Russia discussed cooperation)

“ЕС обсудит Каспийский газопровод с туркменами” (EU to discuss Caspian pipeline with Turkmenistan)

“Россия недовольна решением ЕС о создании Транскаспийского газопровода обход РФ” (Russia unhappy about the decision of the EU creating a Trans-Caspian pipeline bypassing Russia)

“Украина и Туркменистан договорились о поставках газа” (Ukraine and Turkmenistan agree on gas supplies)

“Китай поддержит кыргызскую экономику” (China to support Kyrgyz Economy)

“Военные учения начинают Россия, Казахстан, Киргизия и Таджикистан” (Military exercises begin, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan)
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Serbia and the EU

Finance Minister Goran Radosavljević announced that the public procurement law was to be amended to form a centralized institution. The formation of a centralized institution for public procurement will serve Serbia’s EU integration and is thus adapted to the EU procurement law said Radosavljević. The draft is expected to be finished by the end of September upon which, under rather unusual circumstances, it will be subject to public debate as Radosavljević pointed out. The current value of Serbia’s public procurement is at an estimated four billion Euros and the proposed amendment to the procurement law will allow for 20 – 30 percent savings in addition to lowering corruption within the public procurement administration.

“Planirano ukidanje Uprave za javne nabavke”. Ekonom East Media Group. accessed September 12, 2011. www.emg.rs/vesti/srbija/163834.html

Serbia and K&M

On September 13th, the minister for Labour and Social Politics Rasim Ljajić stated that Serbia has nearly no room for political maneuvers should Priština decide to send customs officers to the Brnjak and Jarinje border. Serbia, according to Ljajić, can only choose to act through diplomatic routes should such events transpire. The minister too pointed out that Priština would not send its customs officers to the Brnjak and Jarinje where there not tacit support from international actors. Regarding the Belgrade and Priština dialogue, Ljajić said, Serbia will try to secure the least dire outcome. However, he added, Belgrade is playing a match in which it is losing 3:0 by halftime whereas after halftime Serbia is missing two players while the referee cheers for the opposing team. This, Ljajić said, is the reality in which Serbia seeks to achieve a decent outcome.

EULEX announced that it plans to manage the Brnjak and Jarinje border from the 16th of September onward. The leading officials according to Koha Ditore, a Kosovar news agency, will be representative of Kosovar institutions. However, there are no plans to employ Kosovar border control on Brnjak and Jarinje.

Meanwhile, Serbia’s minister of internal affairs Ivica Dačić questioned whether any agreement between the international community and Serbia concerning KiM was valid. Dačić thus specifically recalled UN Resolution 1244 and the Kumanovo agreement. Speaking about the possible placement of Kosovar border control on the Brnjak and Jarinje border, Dačić stated that such an action would show disrespect regarding reached agreements between the UN and Serbia and that such actions would be attempts to change the status quo on the ground. Dačić expressed that he does not understand ‘how some people are unable to realize that such agreements as put forward by the above mentioned actors can lead to conflict’. He specifically stated that this was his personal opinion adding that ‘this does not lead to anything but an exodus of Serbs out of northern Kosovo’.

The following day, on September 14th, Oliver Ivanović, the state secretary of Kosovo, stated that Kosovo authorities are most likely to delay the sending of Kosovar border control to the Brnjak and Jarinje crossing. The sending of customs officials will be delayed, not cancelled, however. It is a positive sign, said Ivanović, that Priština is not receiving full support from the international community as she had hoped she would. Establishing a de facto border with Kosovo, according to Ivanović, would trigger Kosovar Serbs to leave Kosovo as they feel Serbian and look to Serbian institutions.

After a conference between President Boris Tadić, Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković, foreign affairs minister Vuk Jeremić, the minister for Kosovo and Metohija Goran Bogdanović and the leader of Belgrade’s negotiation team with Priština Borislav Stefanović, Dačić stated that the assumption that Serbia would do anything to join the European Union is wrong in the face of increasing pressure on Serbia regarding Kosovo’s independence. This behavior toward Serbia, said Dačić is inappropriate while unilateral moves regarding northern Kosovo could lead to grave consequences and an avalanche of conflict in the region. The minister stated his understanding that Serbia cannot act in defiance of the whole world and recognized that Serbia’s hands are tied. Yet he also rejects a ‘do nothing’ attitude which in turn would give the green light to Hašim Tači that he was allowed do anything he likes. Dačić added that Serbia controlled administrative crossings where Albanians resided on both sides which Serbia could seal off hermetically ‘if anybody wished to play such a game’. He thus raised the question of parallel Albanian institutions that are in southern Kosovo adding that Albanians in south central Serbia celebrate the 28th of November, the day of the Albanian flag, without displaying any Serbian flags, an action that would cause the dispersion of such crowds with water cannons in other states.

Serbia’s President Boris Tadić echoed some of the above sentiments stating that imminent Kosovar independence could spark other conflicts around the world. He stated that current events in Kosovo are heavily undermined on the basis of international relations leading to a damaged system while allowing for violent secession from a sovereign state to happen.

On September the 15th, Andy Sparkes, Deputy Head of the EULEX mission, stated that EULEX will establish customs at the Brnjak and Jarinje crossing together with Kosovar authorities and that the collected money resulting from customs will be handled by EULEX. Sparkes added that Belgrade knew about this plan so that there is no reason to acting surprised regarding the unfolding of events in northern Kosovo. Meanwhile, Serbian Kosovars blocked the main bridge leading to Kosovar Mitrovica. The gravel on the bridge blocked the north-south entrance to the city showing the mostly young people’s discontent with the decision that Albanian customs officers where to control the Brnjak and Jarinje crossings.

According to Politika Online, Boris Tadić as well as international officials released warnings regarding unilateral moves on the Jarinje and Brnjak crossings. Bogdanivić supported Tadić’s attitude and stated that the international community and especially the EU’s way of wanting to solve problems in Serbia will usher in renewed devastating conflicts and bloodshed instead. Bogdanović stressed several times that he, as well as the citizens of northern Kosovo seek to resolve their problems and protect their rights in a peaceful manner. However, he also emphasized that these people needed a reliable partner who understands their desires and attitudes, not somebody who violates the UN Resolution 1244, thereby imposing a new status quo.

Meanwhile, on the Jarinje and Brnjak crossing, the situation has been quiet. German KFOR soldiers put up more barbed wire while helicopters landed multiple times in their base to bring them food. Serbs, on the other side, guarded their barricades quietly. The most interesting incident, according to Politika Online, transpired when four men appeared from Leška and started to cook cabbage soup on a controlled open fire. The scent was to lure the soldiers out of their base, said one of the men and told the journalist to head his article with the title “while the cabbage cooks, god will watch over the Serbs”. At one point, so the article goes, smoke started to lift from the fire prompting television news to report that ‘thick smoke is coming from the Jarinje border crossing’. Later that day, Bogdanović and Stefanović showed up just as the cabbage soup was finished while some of the Serbs brought soup to the German officers on the other side of the barbed wire. The KFOR commander was said to have showed up just as the scene transpired accepting the offer the Serbs made to him and his soldiers.

The situation in southern Serbia, however, continues to say tense with German and French soldiers strengthening their barricades while Serbs do the same on their respective side. Passages to central Serbia, Sandžak and Montenegro have thus been barricaded. This has led to ‘rumors’ that KFOR seeks to rid itself from the Serb erected barricades even with force if necessary. However, Oliver Ivanović, state secretary for KiM demented such claims and stated that KFOR could clear one barricade in which case Serbs would erect another one. Moreover, Ivanović stated, the Serb erected barricades are not the focal problem, but the international community’s siding with the Albanian population is. Besides, he added, the current status quo cannot subsist in the south as the problem could quickly turn into a larger one yet. Incidents, according to Ivanović, are easily possible

“Ljajić: nemamo gotovo nikakav menevarski prostor”. Ekonom East Media Group. accessed September 13, 2011. www.emg.sr/vesti/srbija/163903.html.

“Ivanovic: Priština će najverovatnije odložiti akciju”. Ekonom East Media Group. accessed September 14, 2011. www.emg.sr/vesti/srbija/163969.html.

“Tadić I državni vrh dogovorili mere za Kosovo”. Ekonom East Group Media. accessed September 14, 2011. www.emg.sr/vesti/srbija/163964.html.

“Tadić: Jednostrane akcije mogu narušiti mir”. Ekonom East Media Group. accessed September 15, 2011. www.emg.sr/vesti/srbija/164037.html.

“Euleks: Beograd zna plan, nema mesta iznenađenju”. Ekonom East Media Group. accessed September 15, 2011. www.emg.sr/vesti/srbija/164049.html.

“Srbi blokirali most u Kosovskoj Mitrovici”. Ekonom East Media Group. accessed September 15, 2011. www.emg.sr/vesti/srbija/164034.html.

“Jednostrane akcije Prištine pretnja miru”. Politika Online. accessed September 18, 2011. www.politika.rs./rubrike/Politike/Jednostrane-akcije-Pristine-pretnja-miru.lt.html

“Protest na KiM se nastavlja građanskom neposlušnošču.” Politika Online. accessed September 18, 2011. www.politika.rs./rubrike/Politike/Protest-na-KiM-se-nastavlja-grdadjanskom-neposlusnoscu.lt.html.

“Kuvani kupus za nemačke vojnike”. Politika Online. accessed September 18, 2011. www.politika.rs./rubrike/Politike/Kuvani-kupus-za-nemačke-vojnike.lt.html

“Utvrđuju se i Kfor i Srbi”. Politika Online. accessed September 18, 2011. www.politika.rs./rubrike/Politike/Utvdjuju-se-i-Kfor-i-Srbi.lt.html.

Sandžak

Miljenko Dereta reported in Politica Online that Mufti Muamer Zukorlić knows how to turn the spotlight on to him every so often, be that through the BNV of the Supreme Representative body of the Sandžak Citizens – both under his control – as well as with declarations that report discrimination against Bosniaks in Serbia. According to the article, Zukorlić and ‘his’ Sandžak University enjoy all the privileges there are in the respective society, but, according to Miljenko Dereta, Executive Director of Civic Initiatives, not enough for Zurkorlić. Zukorlić is, according to the article, a man with an agenda and there is no political battle against him. The only organizations who are seeking to normalize the situation in Sandžak are some NGO’s who trying to explain who carries the ultimate consequences for such politics. While Serbian officials have been quiet, the said NGO’s have not. As a result, the civil sector has become a target of accusations including for reasons such as treason, unpatriotic behavior and violation of faith. The leading of an ordinary life is, as a result, becoming increasingly difficult and inhibits the work of civil society employees. Why, Dereta inquires, did Zukorlić step up his activities in the past couple of months? Dereta points toward Serbia’s indecision regarding as to how to properly deal with the ‘case Zukorlić’. One possible solution, according to Dereta, is to organize elections for the National Council of Bosniaks as have been organized before only to be cancelled last minute due to incomprehensible reasons. Secondly, a strong political presence in Sandžak is necessary in order to explain policies so as to reach a common denominator in the region. In any case, according to Dereta, Zukorlić does not exert as much influence in the region as has been touted by the media to date. Dereta also points out that Zukorlić’s ‘populatrity’ is based on fear of his ‘extremist’ Bosniaks and the ensuing consequences should the people choose to declare differing views. The many declarations are thus a tool to keep the situation in Novi Pazar tense. Dr. Neven Cvetićanin from the institute of social sciences thus states that Zukorlić is perfectly aware that an autonomous Sandžak will not be attainable and will not be supported by the international community. Zukorlić’s actions are thus no more than a strategy of maximizing goals so as to achieve realistic attainable interests.

“Muftija – čovek sa političkom agendom”. Politika Online. www.politika.rs/rubrike/Politika/Muftija-covek-sa-politicskom-agendom.lt.html

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Sunday, September 11, 2011

Eurasian News This Week

Central Asia-China Gas Pipeline - Liu Tienan, head of the National Energy Administration of China finished a trip to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan this week. Liu participated in the 5th meeting of Chinese-Kazakh subcommittee for energy cooperation and the 1st session of Chinese-Turkmen subcommittee.

In Kazakhstan he participated in the ceremonial start of welding on the second segment of the China-Kazakhstan pipeline, and said that “the two countries should accelerate the construction of oil pipelines, including the Beyneu-Chimkent section of the China-Kazakhstan gas pipeline and the Kazakh section of the China-Central Asia gas pipeline.”

During the Chinese-Turkmen session, the sides exchanged views on matters relating to the implementation of existing agreements and the prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector. The meeting also identified priorities in Turkmen-Chinese energy cooperation. In particular, issues related to the increase in gas supplies from Turkmenistan to China and the introduction of multi-stakeholder consultation mechanism to ensure long-term, safe and efficient operation of international energy infrastructure facilities were in the center of discussion. The next meeting of the Chinese-Turkmen Subcommittee on Energy Cooperation to be held next year in China.

China-Central Asia - China became Central Asia’s (CA) largest trading partner in 2010, according to a report released September 6 by the European Council on Foreign Relations. China did €23 billion of trade (US $31.8 billion) with the five CA states in 2010, compared to €21 billion (US $29 billion) for the runner-up, the EU, the report found. More than 10% of China’s oil and gas imports now come from CA. The study noted some geo-political implications of China’s growing stature in CA. Beijing hopes that CA natural resources can free it of dependence on maritime supply routes, the report said. China also wants the CA states to provide more help in its fight against Uyghur separatist movements, according to the report.

China-Kyrgyzstan - China and Kyrgyzstan agreed on closer co-operation against terrorism, Xinhua reported September 6. The pledge resulted from September 6 talks between Chinese Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu and Kyrgyz State National Security Committee Chairman Keneshbek Dushebayev. Meng and Dushebayev signed an agreement establishing a Kyrgyz-Chinese communication mechanism on border issues,

Russia-China-SCO - Expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is inevitable, and its result should be to improve the efficiency of the organization, said Russia's ambassador to China Sergey Razov on Monday at an international conference devoted to 10th anniversary of the SCO. "Given the open nature of the SCO, marked in its founding documents, and thus implies the possibility of increasing its membership, I think we can say that the expansion of the organization - is inevitable and desirable," - said the ambassador.

But this is not the opinion on the Chinese side. "Today, Pakistan, Iran and India in turn stated desire to join the SCO. However, Iran is under UN sanctions, and, of course, so it does not meet the criteria (for membership). Between Pakistan and India, there were military clashes, and their relationship is still quite tense. This is not very consistent with the principles of the SCO, "- said a Chinese expert. The expert said that while there is no country entirely meets the criteria for SCO membership, there will be no new member admitted into the SCO.

Russia-China Energy Cooperation - Beijing is interested in importing Russian gas, and hopes to break new ground in talks with Moscow on the matter, said on Thursday the Chinese chief of State Energy Department Zhang Guobao at a meeting with the head of the Russian Energy Ministry Sergei Shmatko. In addition, the parties also discussed cooperation between Russia and China in the energy sector as a whole. "We can be proud of the successful implementation of the project of Russian oil deliveries to China, which run smoothly", - said Shmatko. Russian Energy Minister also expressed his appreciation for the cooperation in the coal industry and added that the sides have good prospects in the field of renewable energy sources.

Ukraine-Turkmenistan - President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych will make an official visit to Turkmenistan on Sept. 12-13. Last week, the head of the Presidential Administration Sergei Lyovochkin said that Yanukovych will discuss in Turkmenistan all aspects of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. As expected, the main one of them is the possibility to supply Turkmen gas to Kiev, which Ukraine imported by 2006.


Articles referred to in this post:

"Китай расширит сотрудничество с Казахстаном в энергетике" (China will expand cooperation with Kazakhstan in energy sector)

"Казахстан, Китай намерены расширять энергетическое сотрудничество" (Kazakhstan, China to expand energy co-operation)

"Ашхабад и Пекин обсуждают вопросы увеличения поставок туркменского газа в КНР" (Ashgabat and Beijing to discuss the issues of increasing supplies of Turkmen gas to China)

"Китай - крупнейший торговый партнер СА в 2010" (China -- CA’s biggest trading partner in 2010)

"Китайцы, казахи продвигают борьбу с терроризмом" (Chinese, Kyrgyzs promise more counter-terrorism co-operation)

"Расширение ШОС неизбежно, считает посол России в Китае" (Expansion of the SCO is inevitable, says Russian Ambassador to China)

"Китай выразил надежду на новый уровень газовых переговоров с Россией" (China expressed hope for a new level of gas talks with Russia)

"Украина и Туркмения обсудят сотрудничество в энергетической сфере" (Ukraine and Turkmenistan to discuss energy cooperation)
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Serbia, the EU and Kosovo

Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Dragoljub Mićunović stated in an interview with Politika Online that Serbia ought to preserve its influence in Kosovo while bearing the importance of EU membership in mind. Mićunović expressed that Serbia’s EU candidacy will not hinge on Belgrade’s institutional withdrawal from Kosovo given that it fulfilled many of the EU’s requirements to date. Central among the prerequisites are that Serbia fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding the arrest of Serbian war criminals as well as the establishment of constructive dialogue between Priština and Belgrade.

Short overview of Serbia’s accession efforts to date:

· June 19, 2000: Serbia receives the status of a potential EU candidate

· June 6, 2006: Serbia and Montenegro become independent

· February 17, 2008: Kosovo announces its independence despite Serbia’s resistance

· February 18, 2008:The Council sets the parameters for questions and regulations egarding EU and Serbian partnership

· April 29, 2008: Serbia and the EU sign the Stabilization and Association-Agreement as well as the Free Trade Agreement without immediate adaptation

· December 7, 2009: Upon the Council of Europe’s positive classification regarding ICC and Serbian cooperation, Serbia and the EU embark on the Interim-Free Trade Agreement

· December 19, 2009: Visa liberalization for Serbian citizens concerning the Schengen area

· December 22, 2009: Serbia officially applies to EU membership

· June 14, 2010: EU member states ratify the Stabilization and Association Agreement

· June 22, 2010: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules that Kosovo’s proclamation of independence was not unlawful

· September 8, 2011: The EU welcomes Serbia’s decision to embark on a dialogue with Kosovo

· October 25, 2010: Foreign Ministers of EU member states request that the Commission Examine Serbia’s EU candidacy

· January 19, 2011: The Parliament passes the Stabilizing and Association-Agreement between Serbia and the EU

· May 26, 2011: Serbian war criminal Ratko Mladić is arrested

The fundamental question, according to Mićunović, is the date regarding Serbia’s accessions negotiations. This he says, if obviously tied to the status of Kosovo. The Chairman proposed that Serbia ought to engage in a wider dialogue with the international community – with reference to UN Res. 1244 – so as to normalize relations with Priština. Further, Serbia should cooperate and trade with Kosovo so that unconstructive behavior between the two does not obstruct Serbia’s accession into the EU. He does thus not see Merkel’s message regarding Kosovo as an ultimatum by which Serbia must decide whether or not to keep Kosovo within its influence or to become a member of the EU. This, Mićunović states, was a dilemma that concerned the previous government – whether or not opt for the heavenly or earthly empire (Milošević’s employment of King Lazars myth so as to stir up nationalism). There is no such dilemma. Serbia no longer has great influence over Kosovo, yet, it is important at it preserve what influence it has to date. This, however, should occur according to the satisfaction with the citizens there and with all of us (Serbians). But, further policies regarding Kosovo ought to ensue within a framework in which Serbia must and should become a EU member state.

"Srbija treba da pokrene razgovor o statusu severa Kosova". Politika Online. accessedSeptember 11, 2011. www.politika.rs/rubrike/Politika/Srbija-treba-da-pokrene-razgovor-o-statusu-severa-Kosova.lt.html

"Mićunović: Prekinuti sa iluzijama o tome da je Kosovo naše". Ekonom East Group. accessedSeptember 11, 2011. www.emg.rs/vesti/srbija/163766.html

"Serbischer Kriegsverbrecher Ratko Mladić verhaftet". EU Nachrichten. accessed September11, 2011. Europa.eu/news/external-relations/2010/10/20101026_de.htm

Sandžak

The president of the Bosniak National Council Mevlud Dudić called in an immediate meeting of the all-Bosniak Parliament in Sandžak – headed by Grand Mufti Zukorlić – regarding the illegal exclusion of religious instructors from teaching Islam. Such exclusion is the continuous discrimination and repression against Bosniaks and Muslims in Serbia, says Dudić. The Parliament is holding its session on September the 11th together with the BNV (Bosniak National Council) as well as the entire body of the all-Bosniak Parliament which includes presidents and directors of Bosniak political, cultural educational and other organizational institutions including high representatives of the Islamic community. The all-Bosniak Parliament will discuss the deprivation of the Bosniak people in Serbia and it is expected that important conclusions will be adopted during the session. The Sandžak Press reported that the Serbian Ministry for Religion and Diaspora demonstrated their chauvinistic attitude toward Islam and other non-Serb communities with their actions. The Serbian president and the head of the Serbian government, so the report, must take urgent measures so as to improve the situation for the Islamic community. Obviously, according to the report, the goal of the Ministry for Religion and Diaspora seeks to convert Muslims to Orthodoxy which was made clear with the dismissal of Islamic teachers in whose place are put more suitable candidates. Sandžak’s Islamic community now demands that the Islamic Community of Serbia take a stance in accordance with the sharia (Islamic law) thereby issuing a fatwa (a legal pronouncement) regarding the validity of such circumstances for the Islamic religion. Should these demands not materialize within the coming seven days, the Association for teachers of Islam will call for disobedience and block all the access roads that connect to Sandžak.

Radio-televizija Srbija (RTS) has meanwhile reported that the published declaration, coming out of the session, announces that discrimination against Bosniaks is present at all levels of daily life. Further, the declaration announces, that aggression dating to 2007 was aimed at destroying Bosniak headquarters with the intent of converting Bosniak children to Orthodoxy. Serbia’s refusal to accredit the International University is, according to the document, aimed at sending Bosniak children back into ‘the dark’ with the aim ‘to enslave the individual and collective consciousnesses’. By extension, so the declaration, the purpose of the above mentioned tactics is to lower the influence Bosniaks hold in Sandžak. The Parliament thus asked the Bosnian Academy of Arts and Sciences, headed by Zukorlić, to join the Program for the Survival of the Bosniak People. The declaration was adopted and the ‘new’ called the Parliament in the National Council of Sandžak is planned to be headed by Džemail Suljević. The Parliament pursues to open offices in Brussels, Sandžak, Washington DC and Sarajevo. The new formation will be the strongest political organ in Sandžak and also plans to represent the interests of Serbs and Montenegrins.

"Zakazan drugi Svebošnjački sabor Sandžaka". Sandžak Press. accessed September 11,2011.sandzakpress.net/sakazan-drugi-Svebošnjački-sabor-Sandžaka

"Ministarstvo vjera i dijaspore – leglo šovinisma". Sandzak Press. accessed September 11,2011.sandzakpress.net/ministarstvo-vjera-i-dijaspore-leglo-sovinizma

"Deklaracija o discriminaciji u Sandžaku". Radio-televizija Srbije. accessed September 11,2011. www.rts.sr/page/stories/sr/story/125/Društvo/954390/Declaracija+o+discriminaciji+u+Sandžaku.html

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Sunday, September 4, 2011

Serbia & KiM

Borislav Stefanović, head of Belgrade’s negotiation team, met with Serb delegates from northern Kosovo to discuss the situation in K&M prior to the upcoming meetings in Brussels. Stefanović spoke to the delegates about how to resolve the situation in northern Kosovo through dialogue and negotiation. He also spoke to Serbian Kosovars in Rudar, where the only roadblock remains as of September 1, reminding them about Serbia’s foreign policy situation. According to Stefanović, Belgrade must project and maintain peace and stability in the region so as to avoid any provocation and unilateral 'violent' action by Priština. The only way to resolve the frozen situation in northern Kosovo, said Stefanović, was through dialogue and agreement. Serbian institutions were, however, to remain in the region.

Prior to Stefanović’s negotiation efforts, Serbs blocked the passage between Kosovska Mitrovica and Zubini Potok. The roadblock was erected in reaction to the KFOR and EULEX’s ‘brutal’ search action in Zupža. KFOR and EULEX services had searched private homes in pursuit of evidence for the murder of Enver Zumberi, an Albanian police man, on July 26th on the Brnjak border between northern Kosovo and southern Serbia. Slaviša Ristić, major of Zubin Potok, assured that nobody opposes the investigation efforts. Yet Ristić stressed that this should be done right. The answer to the question as to whom sent these men (the Kosovar Police forces) to take over the Brnjak border, he said, should be answered in addition to finding the perpetrator of Zumberi’s murder.

President Tadić supported the KFOR and EULEX actions with the condition that they be carried out to find criminal individuals thereby upholding the neutral status of international missions.

Premier Minister Hašim Taći, in a comment concerning the KFOR and EULEX actions, warned that Belgrade should not again become a place where criminals can hide as was the case during the Milošević regime. We will find them (the criminals), said Tadić, and have them prosecuted by the court. Tadić also maintained that Serbia’s illegal parallel institutions were turning into para-military organizations that supported terroristic activities across the region.

“Pretres kuća na severu Kosova”. Radio-televizije Srbije. accessed August 31, 2011.http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr.story/9/Politika/948114/Pretres+ku%C4%87a+na+severu+Kosova.html

“Hoti: Blokirani putevi između Kosovske Mitrovice i Zubinog Potoka”. Ekonom East Group. accessed August 31, 2011. http://www.emg.rs/vesti/srbija/162987html

“Stefanović: Sačuvatiu mir i stabilnost”. Ekonom East Group. accessed September 1, 2011.http://www.emg.rs/vesti/srbija/163063.html

“Tači: Paralelne structure Srbije pretvaraju se u parovojne”. Ekonom East Group. accessed 31, 2011.http://www.emg.rs/vesti/srbija/16003.html

Kosovo

The American John Clint Williams has been named head of the special EULEX working group that investigates the potential trade of organs during the war in Kosovo. The investigation is pursued upon the publication of Dick Marty’s dossier that was published earlier this year in January. Dick Marty, as Swiss politician and legislator for the Council of Europe, reported that organs were traded illegally in Kosovo during the war. Chaos was, according to the report, rampant with Kosovar refugees fleeing to Albania while Serbians fled to territories held by the Serbian army. Meanwhile, the Ushtria Çlirimtare e Kosovës (UÇK) or Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) became, in effect, the North Atlantic Tready Organization’s (NATO) ally on the ground while NATO carried out air raids from above. Under such confused circumstances, says Marty, the KLA controlled the situation on the ground and could move freely between Albania and Kosovo. Individuals that fell victim to the illegal organ trade, according to the Marty document, were brought to Albania from Kosovo where they had their organs harvested. The German Bundestag noted that the international community was familiar with the KLA’s activities prior to the war in Kosovo adding that it was known that sources of the group’s funding came from illegal drug and arms trade.

The organized crime in Kosovo, according to the news agency Vesti, is led by former KLA members one of which is allegedly Kosovo’s Prime Minister Hašem Tači. Kosovo’s representatives have rejected such claims adding that they are willing to cooperate in the upcoming investigations that are organized by Brussels (EU headquarters).

“Amerikanac na čelu za iztragu navoda o trgovini organima”. Ekonom East Group. accessed August 29,2011. http://www.emg.rs/vesti/srbija/162856. html

“Nehumana postupanja sa ljudima i ilegalna trgovina ljudskim organima na Kosovo”. Politika Online.accessed September 2, 2011. http://politika.rs/rubrike/dosije-Hasim-Taci/Dokumenti/Nehumana-postupanja-sa-ljudima-i-ilegalna-trgovina-ljudskim-organima-na-Kosovu.lt.html

“Deutscher Bundestag Drucksache 17/6036 – 17 Wahlperiode 30.05.2011”. Deutscher Bundestag.http://dipbt.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/1706036.pdf

“Početak istrage o trgovini organima u Septembru”. Vesti Online. accessed August 31, 2011.http://www.vesti-online.com/Vesti/Srbija/161304/Pocetak-istrage-o-trgovini-organima-u-septembru

Sandžak

On September 2nd, the Bosniak National Council held Bayram (Turkic word referring to national and/or religious holidays) days of Bosnian culture in Prijepolje. Jahja Fehratović, president of the Bosnian Cultural Society (BKZ), launched the festival by analyzing the media’s ‘aggression’ against the Islamic Community. The media, Fehratović stated, is a great boon that is given by god. There are, however, two ways of utilizing the media. One such way can be used to bring to light great injustices that are done to people by authoritarian regimes as seen in the Arabic world. The media, however, has been used as a propaganda tool to create stereotypes in the four years in which the Islamic Muslim community has struggled for unity, he said. He thus applauded the bravery with which the Muslim community stood by its principles.

Meanwhile, Effendi Muamer Zukorlić, head of the Islamic community in Serbia reminded attendants about the importance of the upcoming elections. They are, said Effendi Zukorlić, not simple political elections. Instead, they symbolize two differing ways: One being the pro-Belgrade way that led to standing in humility before the Belgrade desk while the other, pro Sandžak-Bosniak way led toward decent development.

In an interview with the agency Elektronske Novine Sandžak Press, Bosnia’s Reisu-I-Ulema Mustafa Cerić echoed Effendi Zukorlić’s words stating that, with regard to Serbia’s Bosniaks, the biggest victory was that they overcame their fear of tyranny. He stated that Bosniaks have the same rights as do other Peoples in the Balkan noting that they do not account lesser in number or importance comparatively. Asked whether or not he had ‘certain objections’ regarding relations between Turkey and Serbia concerning Bosnia and Herzegovina, he answered that Turkey was more than a friend and he thus welcomed any visit by Turkish officials.

In an interview with Politika Online, the Turkish Ambassador to Belgrade Ali Riza Čolak commented on the economic, cultural and religious situation in Sandžak. Čolak noted that Sandžak had greater problems than the falling out of Adem Zilkić and Muamer Zukorlić. Instead, Čolak stated, economic and infrastructural problems should be resolved. Turkey does not support or promote either faction over the other and anything that is done in Sandžak should be done within the framework of Serbia’s laws. Turkey pledged do donate 10 million Euros to Sandžak to realize infrastructural projects there.

“Problemi između muftija nisu jedini problem Sandžaka”. Politika Online. accessed September 4, 2011.http://www.politika.rs/rubrike/Politika/Problemi-izmedju-muftija-nisu-jedini-problem-Sandzaka.lt.html

“Bošnjaci su pod jarmom neznanja, tiranije i korupcije”. Elektronske Novine Sandžak Press. accessedSeptember 3, 2011. http://sandzakpress. net/bosnjaci-su-pod-jarmom-neznanja-tiranije-i-korupcije

“Bajramska akademija u Prijepolju: ‘Bošnjaci, preuzmite odgovornost’”. Elektronske Novine SandžakPress. accessed September 2, 2011. http://sandzakpress.net/bajramska-akademija-u-prijepolju-bosnjaci-preuzmite-odgovornost

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Eurasian News This Week

Russia-Ukraine - Ukraine rejected Russia's calls to cede half of its state energy company Naftogaz to Russian energy giant Gazprom in return for cheaper gas as the country's presidents attended a regional summit in Tajikistan this Saturday. Russia has offered to lower Ukraine's gas price if it dropped plans to establish free trade relations with the European Union and allowed Russian energy giant Gazprom to win control of half of Ukraine's Naftogaz company. Ukraine argues that it now pays more than some richer European Union countries and that Russia's price terms are political, in the neighbours' second major clash over gas prices in three years. Russia refused to consider any dialogue on the matter even as leaders of the two nations were in Dushanbe. Kiev reiterated that it would not submit to Moscow's humiliating terms, stating that it will not be pressurized and dictated to.

Russia-Turkmenistan - Medvedev held bilateral talks with Turkmen leader Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov on Saturday after Russia expressed interest in a pipeline project aiming to pump Turkmen gas through Pakistan and Afghanistan to India. Berdymukhamedov is expected to visit Moscow in the near future. Earlier this week, Berdymukhamedov said Turkmenistan had "reached a level of strategic partnership with Russia," in spite of previous rows over the price of gas.

Russia-Kyrgyzstan - A top Russian official August 30 said Russia wants stability in Kyrgyzstan and is ready to help the country with oil supplies and construction of a hydro-power station. Sergei Naryshkin, director of the Russian presidential administration, gave the assurances during a trip to Bishkek meant to help celebrate Kyrgyzstan’s 20th anniversary of independence.

Kyrgyz air defence forces will take part in September 2-12 CIS military training at Russia’s Ashuluk training ground, Kyrgyz Defence Ministry spokeswoman Aizada Igibayeva told Central Asia Online September 2. Twenty-one Kyrgyz troops led by elite Anti-Aircraft Unit commander Col. Batyr Kadyrov will participate in Boevoe Sodruzhestvo -2011, she said. The exercise is meant to improve co-ordination among CIS member-states’ anti-aircraft forces in repelling an aerial foe and their co-operation in anti-terrorism operations.

China-Kazakhstan - Kazakh miner Tengis Munay is selling a gas field in southern Kazakhstan to a joint Chinese venture.Chinese conglomerate Xinjiang Guanghui Industry and China’s Weyn Investment have agreed to buy all shares in the Mangishlak Munay field from the Kazakh firm for $20 million. The Chinese companies will first set up a joint venture, in which Guanghui Industry will have a 56 percent stake and Weyn Investment will hold the remainder.

China-Eurasia - Leaders from several Central Asian states on Thursday attended the inaugural China-Eurasia Expo in the western Chinese city of Urumqi. China hopes this expo, the largest of its kind in the western province of Xinjiang, will spur economic development in the impoverished region by forging critical trade links with neighboring states Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Mongolia and India. “New opportunities have emerged for China and countries in the heartland of Eurasia. The pace of regional economic integration is growing significantly,” the Xinhua news agency quoted Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang as saying at the expo. 185 billion yuan deals have been signed on the expo, among which the energy and chemical industry play a major role.

"Counter-terrorism" in Central Asia - The threat of terrorism is making Kyrgyz authorities and religious leaders look to educational work as a solution. The Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Kyrgyzstan (the Muftiate or SAMK) is organising training seminars and weekly radio and television programmes to educate the country about Islam.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev urged tighter regulation of religious organisations in response to violence in western Kazakhstan. The bill is meant to “protect the state from religious extremism” rather than “prohibit freedom of conscience,” he said, according to Novosti-Kazakhstan. “We need to put our house in order.” All religious organisations in Kazakhstan will have to re-register with authorities if the bill becomes law, Kairat Lama Sharif, head of the State Agency for Religious Affairs, said September 1, media reported. Meanwhile, authorities shut down 51 foreign extremist websites in Kazakhstan.


Articles referred to in this post:

"Нынешнее украинское руководство снова требует от России снизить цену на газ" (The current Ukrainian leadership once again ask Russia to reduce gas prices)

"Киев — Москва: будет еще один газовый конфликт?" (Kiev - Moscow: will there be another gas crisis?)

"Россия протянет трубу от Туркмении до Индии" (Russia supports pipeline from Turkmenistan to India)

"Россия поставит Кыргызстану нефтепродукты, поможет с ГЭС" (Russia to give Kyrgyz oil, help build hydro-power station)

"Кыргызские ПВО будут тренироваться в России" (Kyrgyz air defence forces to train in Russia)

"Китайские компании планируют приобрести газовое месторождение в Казахстане" (Chinese firms to jointly acquire Kazakh gas field)

"首届中国-亚欧博览会内联签约1850多亿元" "On the first China-Eurasia Expo signed 185 billion yuan deals"

"能源化工成亚欧博览会招商主角" (Energy and chemical Investment play a major role on the China-Eurasia Expo)

"Кыргызстан борется с террористами пропагандой правильного ислама " (Kyrgyzstan uses Islamic religious education to counter terrorism)

"Назарбаев призывает бороться с экстремизмом" (Nazarbayev urges crackdown on religious groups)
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