Not the Best Way to Reset Relations
The response from the Obama administration was also immediate. In an effort at damage control, the White House and State Department denied any suggestion that the administration was changing its carefully crafted approach toward Russia, even as spokesmen for the administration reaffirmed U.S. principles about the independence of Russia’s neighbors. But the incident has demonstrated once again how easily U.S.-Russian relations can be derailed or diverted and how vulnerable they will remain until a firmer base is built for better ties. READ MORE
Gazprom's Investment Strategy Runs Out Of Steam
Russian state-run gas giant Gazprom has cut its investment program in response to the difficulties it faces in the current economic downturn. These cost-saving measures contrasted sharply with Gazprom's pledge last year to become the world's largest company. Such efforts were supported by the Russian government. On July 13, the cabinet approved Gazprom's revised investment program worth 775 billion rubles ($25 billion) or 15.8 percent down from its 920 billion rubles ($29.7 billion) planned earlier. At a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin conceded that Gazprom's January-June 2009 production was 20.8 percent down year-on-year. However, Putin voiced confidence that Gazprom's production and sales will return to their pre-crisis levels eventually. READ MORE
Matthew Bryza Revealed Some Nuances of Negotiations Between Baku and Yerevan
During the interview for the agency Novosti Armenii – NEWS.am (Armenia News – NEWS.am) the Co-Chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group, the deputy assistant of the US Secretary of State Matthew Bryza revealed some interesting facts and nuances about negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia on Karabakh conflict regulation. READ MORE
Experts: Medvedev’s Statement Is the Attempt to Influence Presidential Elections In Ukraine
Ukrainian political analysts commented on the statement of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who accused current Ukrainian Government of leading anti-Russia course and announced the decision to postpone the coming of new Russian Ambassador to Ukraine. READ MORE
Geopolitics Of Nabucco. View Of Kiev
Persistent long-term struggle of “Gazprom” against potential construction of Nabucco pipeline has failed. In Ankara the Heads of Turkish, Austrian, Hungarian, Bulgarian and Romanian Governments signed an intergovernmental agreement on the project of the gas pipeline that will deliver gas from Caspian region to Europe round Russia. Meanwhile Germany also engaged with this project didn’t put its sign under the agreement as it is not a transiting state. READ MORE
Russia-Germany: an Asymmetric "Strategic Partnership"
 and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (2R) watch as officials sign documents in Munich on July 16, 2009..jpg)
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and German Chancellor Angela Merkel headed large governmental delegations for bilateral talks on July 16 in Munich. The process, known as Russo-German inter-governmental consultations, involves informal semi-annual summits at which leading business representatives join the cabinet ministers on either side. The Munich meeting reviewed ongoing cooperation projects and considered new ones. READ MORE
OSCE Resolution Equating Stalinism With Nazism Enrages Russia
Russia continues to react angrily to last week’s Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) resolution likening Stalinism to Nazism. READ MORE
Georgia: Tbilisi Welcomes Biden
US Vice President Joseph Biden’s July 22-23 visit to Tbilisi may have been more about show than results, but for Georgians wearied by war and wary of Russia that show of support was all that mattered. READ MORE
Nabucco And Hopes Of Georgia
The start of “Nabucco” project accomplishment was officially announced. An alternative pipeline that will supply gas to Europe round Russia will be the first step to reduction of energy and political influence of Moscow in Europe. Defeat of Russia and Georgian approach to Europe – these are the results of “Nabucco” Summit for Georgia. READ MORE
