The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

[Armenian]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Some of my thoughts regarding politics the national elections we just had in Armenia

Thank God Serzh Sargsyan won the elections. Armenians have pulled through again. Regardless of his flaws, Serzh Sargsyan was the best option we had for the presidency of the Armenian Republic. Despite the continuing corruption and poverty in Armenia, our nation is, nevertheless, going forward. Thus, this was no time to temper with that forward momentum. Armenia today is better than it was a year ago, five years ago, ten years ago, fifteen years ago... However, a fledgling nation will require much time to stand firmly on its two feet. Nevertheless, thanks to the current regime, our nation's borders today are secure, Artsakh is secure, the economy is growing, Yerevan is blossoming, international alliances are developing... And all this is happening despite the worst geopolitical conditions that can be imagined. As a result, we needed to keep the current authorities in power. The Caucasus is a volatile region. We are surrounded by corrupt and dangerous neighbors. We desperately need internal stability. Also, for all its worth, Moscow has strongly signaled that it wants to see the continuation of the current leadership. And Moscow today controls the region's geopolitics. We simply cannot afford to be on their bad side. Such an action would potentially be suicidal for the Armenian Republic.

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I also realize that majority of Armenians today have a minuscule understanding of international geopolitics and sociopolitical dynamics. Most diasporan Armenians are too engulfed with their massive egos to see what is good for the nation and most Armenians in Armenia are simply too impoverished and inexperienced to see what is good for their longterm prosperity. The aforementioned leads me to believe that the best option we have today is the continuation of the current regime.

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There were marked differences between Kocharyan's administration and Levin Petrostein's rule. The important differences for me were the strategic factors of our national interests, factors that were taken into serious account by the Republican Party of Robert Kocharyan: the protection of Artsakh's territorial integrity; Russian-Armenian relations; Iranian-Armenian relations; emphasis on building a strong and modern military; pursuit of Genocide recognition; having good relations with EU. What's more, taking into concideration that against all odds Armenia's economy has grown considerably during the last few years, I believe that Kocharyan's administration was quite successful during its ten year reign.

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I rather have Armenians living under a fascistic tyranny then under the leadership of a treasonous criminal like Levin. Many Armenians today see Levin as a threat to Armenia's national security. Thus, I would not have shed a single tear had the authorities ordered the army to crush any attempted uprising by Levin's idiotic followers. This is no time for dangerous and foolish experiments with democracy. It is not that I don't 'like' the term "democracy", it's just that true democracy, as preached by the western establishment, does not exist anywhere on earth. Simply stated, the lofty concept in question is used by the western elite to meddle in the internal affairs of lesser nations for the purpose of their selfish national interests. Consider the case of Kosovo: Its independence was given purely for geostrategic reasons stemming from the West's severe Russophobia and has nothing to do with self-determination, democracy, freedom, human right, etc. The plight of nations that truly deserve self-determination and independence, nations such as the Armenians of Nagorno Karabagh, Basques of Spain, Ossetians and Abkhazians of the Caucasus and the Kurds of Turkey, are simply ignored by the champions of freedom and democracy.

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I don't understand the indignation, or surprise for that matter, being expressed by some who are upset by what occurred in Kosovo. Albanians/Bosnian Muslims/Turks are the 'perfect group of people' to use as a balancing power against the region's Orthodox Slavs. Had I been a representative of the political elite in the West, I would have resorted to the same tactics as well. The point is, this is simply geopolitics, and a means to safeguard the West's immense wealth and power, one that has taken many centuries to accumulate. When we, the public, for once realize that concepts such as justice, religion, race, morality, law, democracy, human rights, etc, have absolutely 'nothing' to do with politics, we can then better prepare ourselves for these types of developments. Sadly, the vast majority of the people on earth, even the brightest amongst us, do not comprehend the true nature of politics. This gives the elite, the tiny minority that run the economic-political show on earth, the mandate to more-or-less do as they please. Thus, in final analysis, it is our fault, for they can only do what we allow them to do.

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All politicians are corrupt, without exception. All governments are run like the mafia, without exception. The difference between a nation like Armenia and western nations is that the West has accumulated immense wealth over centuries of colonization and exploitation. Today, the "crumb" that falls off the table of the western elite is more than enough for average westerns to live very-very well with. Thus, it's all a matter of perception and relativity. Sadly, albeit quite naturally, the hungry masses in Armenia have no time for political objectivity nor do they care about historic perspective. However, that being said, this does not mean that the leadership in Armenia must listen to the ignorant masses. Even if it exists, such a thing like democracy would not work for nations like Armenia.

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Complaints about Armenia's economy are merely sentimental, emotion derived, coming from frustration and have no basis on reality. Tiny, landlocked, blockaded, without natural resources, with an inexperienced population, in a very complicated and difficult region of the world - the socioeconomic and geopolitical situation of Armenia today is extremely complex, to say the least. As a result, there will be no quick fixes. Nor should attempts be made at the expense of our longterm geostrategic concerns such as Artsakh and the Armenian Genocide. Thus, no administration will be able to cure all of Armenia's ailments. Armenia does not have a treasury that has been accumulating wealth over the centuries. Armenia has not had nationhood for centuries. Armenia has been broke and friendless from day one. What's more, many of Armenia's problems are not within its control, they emanate from abroad.

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The West is not our friend. Western organizations in Armenia should be looked upon with suspicion and western money should be rejected. The West is merely interested in itself. Unlike Turkey and Azerbaijan, we Armenians don't serve western interests, at least for the foreseeable future. Thus, we need to forget about the West providing Armenia with substantial assistance, other than a few dollars they throw here and there to fund "democracy" movements... Nevertheless, with its national borders secure, with Artsakh secure, with gradual growth of its economy, with its strategic alliance with Russia, Armenia today is definitely headed towards the right direction. However, it will be a long and difficult road ahead.

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It is easy to see how Levin Petrostein makes Serzh Sargsyan look like an angel. Thus, I simply cannot believe that there are Armenians today who are actually supporting him. This proves to me beyond doubt that we Armenians are 'not' ready for any form of democracy. A true democracy can only be achieved by a highly educated, highly responsible electorate, one that can portray a keen understanding of geopolitics and history. As a result, I don't think idiots (the masses) should be given the right to choose their leaders. Such an attempt would be suicidal for vulnerable nations. The point is: Armenia needs to continue on the course it is on today. In that respects, the Republican Party in Armenia is the best option for the nation at this time. Armenia's close relations with Russia (and Iran) is the 'only' option for the landlocked blockaded nation. Armenia's steadfast support for Artsakh is crucial for the survival of the Armenian state. Armenia's pursuit of Genocide recognition is of vital geopolitical importance.

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Voting, or being a part of the electoral process, can not be a right, it must be a privilege. The fact that there are substantial numbers of Levin supporters reveals beyond doubt that the Armenian nation is 'not' ready for free and fair elections. Things of importance in civilized nations requires its citizens to obtain a license (or a certificate, or a certain amount of training) to perform. How is it than that the most important of all responsibilities that a nation has, namely that of electing its leadership, is expected to be entrusted upon the sentiments of the ignorant masses? I believe that a nation's citizenry must be highly educated, highly responsible and portray a keen understanding of geopolitics and history - before they are allowed the 'privilege' to vote.

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After the fall of the Communist regime, it was Russian nationalists that wanted Armenians to win the war against the Azeris. Thus, they supplied Armenia with modern arms to fight with. Without the Russian advisers, tanks, ammunition, military intelligence, anti-aircraft missiles, etc, Artsakh today would be in Azeri hands despite our best human efforts. In short: The Russian Federation desperately needs Armenians as a ally in the south Caucasus as a bulwork against the further spread of NATO, against the spread of Pan-Turkism, and against the spread of Iranian influence. Armenia's only option is with closer relations with the Russian Federation, even if this comes at the expense of hurting Armenia's relations with others.

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Instead of "monitoring" elections, western organizations such as the OSCE should mind their own business. Who gave these criminals the moral right to oversee anything? And taking money form these types of organizations is like taking money form a loan shark, for these organizations pray on vulnerable nations in need of financial assistance.

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Before complaining about corruption, let's first realize that virtually every country on earth is more-or-less run by criminals. As a matter of fact, western leadership are amongst the worst criminals in the world. This is in essence the very nature of politics. So, let's all get used to it, let's learn to deal with it, and let's move forward from here by taking it into consideration.

[Armenian]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

It seemed somewhat suspicious right from the initial announcement. It now seems quite obvious that the US Navy's attempt at shooting down a "broken" US spy satellite is an anti-ballistic missile test.

Armenian

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U.S. reveals plans to shoot down spy satellite

Russia leads way in stopping space weapons: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf0MctXZYxo

The U.S. military is planning to shoot down a broken spy satellite from space. The Pentagon says the rocket poses a direct threat to human life, as it contains highly toxic fuel and is expected to hit Earth in early March. But the move announced by George Bush comes at a sensitive time because of the controversy surrounding China's anti-satellite test last year and Russia’s fear of American weapons use in space.

China’s test

In January 2007 China carried out a test, which caused international alarm. The country launched a ground-based medium-range ballistic missile to destroy a weather satellite in space. It was the first known satellite intersept in more than twenty years. At the time Washington voiced serious concerns that it could trigger an arms race in space. "We certainly are concerned by any effort by any nation that would be geared toward developing weapons or other military activities in space. That's absolutely contrary to what our policy has articulated by the White House," said Tom Casey, US State Department spokesman, in January last year.

U.S. changes its mind

But on Thursday the United States announced it will use a missile to bring down a broken satellite. It comes at a sensitive time when both China and Russia are concerned about any prospective space arms race. The Standard Missile 3 would be fired from a navy ship to intercept the satellite before it re-enters the atmosphere. The official reason is that is poses a threat to human life, as the spy-satellite contains huge amount of toxic rocket fuel. “After further review of this option (the missile intercept), and in particular consideration of the question of saving or reducing injury to human life, the President, on the recommendation of his national and homeland security teams directed the Department of Defence to carry out the intercept,” said James Jeffries, U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser.

Analysts' opinion

According to the Pentagon, shooting the satellite down would also help to reduce any debris from any reentry to the atmosphere. But some experts are unsatisfied with the official line of the United States' motives and that its strategy has changed. Analysts say that the Pentagon may be planning to conduct a full-scale test of an anti-satellite weapon. “This missile is part of the American military arsenal including the navy. These rockets are designed to shoot down tactical ballistic missiles. Of course, this will be a weapon test,” Konstantin Sivkov, military expert, said. A space analyst, Yury Karash, joined RT to comment on the situation. The United States seems to be starting to implement its space policy, revised in 2006, which stated Washington had a right on freedom of action in space. But with Russia and China strongly opposed to any arms in space, other countries might join the fight against any expansion of the so-called star wars.

Source: http://www.russiatoday.ru/news/news/20984

Russia: US Satellite Shot a Weapons Test

Russia said Saturday that U.S. military plans to shoot down a damaged spy satellite may be a veiled test of America's missile defense system. The Pentagon failed to provide "enough arguments" to back its plan to smash the satellite next week with a missile, Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement. "There is an impression that the United States is trying to use the accident with its satellite to test its national anti-missile defense system's capability to destroy other countries' satellites," the ministry said. The Bush administration says the operation is not a test of a program to kill other nations' orbiting communications and intelligence capabilities. U.S. diplomats around the world have been instructed to inform governments that it is meant to protect people from 1,000 pounds of toxic fuel on the bus-sized satellite hurtling toward Earth. The diplomats were told to distinguish the upcoming attempt from last year's test by China of a missile specifically designed to take out satellites, which was criticized by the United States and other countries. Known by its military designation US 193, the satellite was launched in December 2006. It lost power and its central computer failed almost immediately afterward, leaving it uncontrollable. It carried a sophisticated and secret imaging sensor. Left alone, the satellite would likely hit Earth during the first week of March. About half of the 5,000-pound spacecraft would probably survive its blazing descent through the atmosphere and would scatter debris over several hundred miles. Military and administration officials said the satellite is carrying fuel called hydrazine that could injure or kill people who are near it when it hits the ground. The operation to shoot down the dead satellite could happen as soon as next week.

Source: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j...wWaGgD8URMG5G0

Russia appeals for weapons-free space

Russia's Foreign Minister has told delegates at UN disarmament talks that using weapons in space could undermine the world's military balance. Sergey Lavrov presented a draft treaty by Russia and China at the meeting in Geneva, which prevents states from sending weapons into orbit. "The modern international space law does not prohibit deployment of weapons in space if they are not classified as weapons of mass destruction. However, such weapons if deployed in space would have a global reach, high deployment readiness, a capability for hidden engagement of space and earth objects, and the ability to render them inoperative. In contrast to weapons of mass destruction, such weapons would be fit for real use," said Sergey Lavrov. Meanwhile, the initiative faces strong opposition from the U.S., which wants to improve its defence. "We believe that strategic stability can no longer remain an exclusive domain of Russia-U.S. relations, although, of course the Russian Federation and the U.S. will continue to play a leading role here. But bipolarity needs to be overcome by opening up this sphere to all interested states, which are prepared to actively co-operate for the future strengthening of common security," the Minister noted. The idea of using space as an arms foothold is not new. Former U.S. president Ronald Reagan came up with the Strategic Defense Initiative in 1983. Under the concept nicknamed 'Star Wars', the U.S. was set to build a space-based anti-missile shield that would make Soviet nuclear arms outdated. A quarter of a century on, the danger is universally understood and a weapons-free space is seen as a guarantee of modern world security. In 2006, the U.S. adopted a new Space Policy, which sets no limits on weapons being used in space. "We reserve the right to defend ourselves against hostile attacks and interference with our space assets. We will therefore oppose others who wish to use their military capabilities, to impede or deny our access to or use of space," Robert Joseph, Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Arms Control and International Security, said.

Source: http://russiatoday.ru/news/news/20828

[Armenian]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Putin demands more aircraft for Russian Air Force

Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded on Wednesday that the state program for arms procurement be adjusted to increase the number of modern combat aircraft for the Air Force. "I consider it unacceptable when foreign customers receive advanced aircraft from Russia, while the country's Air Force mainly gets overhauled planes built many years ago," the president said at a meeting with aircraft industry officials in Zhukovsky, near Moscow. In 2007, Russia's leading aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi alone exported about 50 Su-30MK2, Su-30MKM and Su-30MKI aircraft in addition to spare parts for aircraft sold earlier to Algeria, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Venezuela. According to the 2007-2015 State Armaments Program, the Russian Air Force is supposed to receive 116 new and 408 upgraded aircraft for forward-deployed units, and 156 new and 372 modernized helicopters in the next eight years. "I believe the State Armaments Program should be adjusted to increase the procurement of aircraft for national defense," the president said. Putin said that in order to meet the growing demand for aircraft it was necessary to continue the steady development of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). The UAC was established on February 20, 2006, to help overcome a crisis in Russia's aircraft industry. It incorporates many of the country's best-known aircraft builders, including Mikoyan, Ilyushin, Irkut, Sukhoi, Tupolev, Yakovlev and other enterprises in the industry. "Due to fierce competition among the world's largest aircraft manufacturers, the company [UAC] must establish its presence on global markets as one of the leaders," Putin said. "The UAC should increase its revenues at least five-fold by 2025." Also on Wednesday, Putin signed a decree setting up a national aircraft-building center in Zhukovsky.

Source: http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080220/99705135.html

Russian Air Force to receive new Su-35 fighters by 2011

The new Su-35 Flanker-E multi-role fighter will be put into service with the Russian Air Force in two-three years, the head of the Sukhoi aircraft manufacturer said on Wednesday. The Su-35 is an advanced air superiority fighter powered by two AL-37F engines. It combines high maneuverability and the capacity to intercept air targets with ground and sea attack capability using both unguided and guided, including high precision, weapons. "I think we will start deliveries of the Su-35 to the Russian Air Force in 2010-2011. We are also planning to promote this fighter on our traditional markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America," Mikhail Pogosyan said. The Sukhoi said the price for the new fighter "will be quite competitive." "I am certain that we will be able to keep the competitive edge while reducing the price [of the aircraft]," he said. Pogosyan said the first prototype Su-35 successfully completed flight tests on February 18, and two more aircraft were being prepared for similar tests at an aircraft manufacturing plant in Russia's Far East. "The tests met our expectations; all systems performed in line with specifications," he said. According to Pogosyan, the Su-35 is the first step toward the development of the fifth-generation fighter and its electronics allow testing of equipment to be installed on future aircraft. "The full development cycle for the [fifth-generation] aircraft takes 7-10 years. We have walked a third of the road," Pogosyan said, adding that the first prototype of the fifth-generation fighter would be built in the next few years. Sukhoi, which is part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), is planning to export over 40 combat aircraft in 2008, the company head said. In 2007, Sukhoi exported about 50 Su-30MK2, Su-30MKM and Su-30MKI aircraft in addition to spare parts for aircraft sold earlier to Algeria, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Venezuela. The company said on January 30 that its overall sales in 2007 exceeded 50 billion rubles (over $2 billion).

Source: http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080220/99687166.html

[Armenian]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Kyrgyzstan will demand U.S. close airbase - eventually

Kyrgyzstan is to eventually demand that the United States close down its airbase in the country, the Central Asian republic's president said on Wednesday, without giving a firm date. The U.S. Ganci airbase at Manas airport, located 30 kilometers (17 miles) east of Bishkek, accommodates 1,000 U.S. troops along with nine refueling and cargo planes supporting antiterrorism operations in Afghanistan. "We will [eventually] raise the issue of its closure. That's for certain," Kurmanbek Bakiyev said in an interview with RIA Novosti and Russia Today. Kyrgyz Finance Minister Tazhikan Kalimbetova disclosed earlier this month that Washington pays $17.5 million each year in rent. Although Russia has encouraged Bishkek to demand the withdrawal of American troops, the impoverished nation of five million needs U.S. support and the military base has generated jobs and is a strong contributor to the Kyrgyz economy. Russia established in October 2003 its own airbase in Kant, about 20 miles west of the Kyrgyz capital. The Russian base currently deploys about 400 troops, as well as 20 combat and transport planes, helicopters, and L-39 trainers. Kalimbetova said Kyrgyzstan has not charged Russia, and has no plans to impose charges for the use of the Kant airbase, because the Russian troops are stationed at Kant under an agreement in the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) - a regional security bloc in Central Asia, which also includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Furthermore, Kyrgyzstan's debt to Russia totals $184 million, and in these circumstances, it would be rather "inappropriate" to demand rent, the minister said.

Source: http://en.rian.ru/world/20080220/99718840.html

[Armenian]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

South Ossetia's leader says recognition may come "this year"

The leader of the de facto independent breakaway Georgian republic of South Ossetia said on Wednesday that some countries may recognize the republic's sovereignty later this year. Eduard Kokoity also said that a number of countries would also recognize Abkhazia, another breakaway Georgian republic, before the end of the year. "Some countries will recognize our republics [South Ossetia and Abkhazia]. I cannot rule out that some of them may do so later this year. Russia, however, will not necessarily be the first to recognize our independence," Kokoity told the press after a meeting with Konstantin Kosachyov, head of the International Affairs Committee at the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament. The announcement came just days after Kosovo declared unilateral independence from Serbia, leading to a rift between global powers. Despite claims by the West that Kosovo was a unique case and should not set a precedent, Russia has warned the U.S. that the move to acknowledge Pristina's sovereignty was 'undermining international law," and would lead to a "chain reaction" of similar announcements by secessionist-minded republics and territories.

The U.S., Australia, and several leading European countries, including Britain, France, Italy and Germany have so far recognized Kosovo, while Russia, China and Spain have condemned the move. However, Kosachyov warned on Tuesday that the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent republics could trigger a serious crisis in the CIS, an association of former Soviet republics. "We should understand that by recognizing the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia we could trigger a serious crisis in the CIS," he said, adding that over half of all ex-Soviet states "have their own Kosovo and Abkhazia." Both Abkhazia and South Ossetia, another Georgian breakaway republic, declared their independence from Georgia in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Bloody conflicts ensued and many were killed and made homeless. Georgia's current leadership has been seeking to recover its influence in the separatist regions and secure international support on the issue.

The South Ossetian leader maintained that his republic and Abkhazia possessed more political, legal and historical grounds for claiming sovereignty than Kosovo. However, he said their independence should be proclaimed in a civilized manner. "At first we should obtain independence legislatively and then become integrated into Russia as much as possible," Kokoity said, adding that 95% of South Ossetia's residents were Russians "at heart, if not by passport." Moscow had earlier hinted that it would recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia if the West acknowledged Pristina's declaration of independence from Serbia. Following Sundays' events, the Russian parliament released a joint statement by both houses of parliament that read: "Now that the situation in Kosovo has become an international precedent, Russia should take into account the Kosovo scenario...when considering ongoing territorial conflicts."

Source: http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080220/99703273.html

[Armenian]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Belarus plans to buy Russian S-400 air defense systems

Belarus is negotiating the purchase of advanced S-400 air defense systems from Russia, the country's defense minister said on Thursday. The S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler) is a new air defense missile system developed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau as an upgrade of the S-300 family. "The purchase of S-400 systems is being negotiated [with Russia]," Leonid Maltsev told a news conference in Minsk. Belarus submitted last year a formal request for two S-400 battalions to be made available by 2010. Almaz General Director Igor Ashurbeili previously said that S-400 production for export could start in 2009. Russia has already deployed an S-400 battalion to protect the air space around Moscow, and plans to put another battalion on combat duty in the same region in 2008. Russia has been reluctant so far to export its new air defense systems, but recent U.S. steps to deploy missile defense elements in Poland and the Czech Republic may convince the Russian leadership to share the advances in military technology with allies in the region. The Belarusian defense minister said that although it was a matter of a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Poland, the placement of 10 U.S. missile interceptors in Europe undermined the balance of forces in the region. Maltsev said the Belarusian army had been modernizing its weaponry and the S-400 missile systems would be a desirable addition to its revamped arsenal. The S-400 is designed to intercept and destroy airborne targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers (250 miles), or twice the range of the U.S. MIM-104 Patriot, and 2.5 times that of the S-300PMU-2. The system is believed to have high capability to destroy stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles with an effective range of up to 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles), and a speed of up to 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) per second. A regular S-400 battalion comprises at least eight launchers and 32 missiles and a mobile command post, according to various sources.

Source: http://en.rian.ru/world/20080221/99787280.html

[Armenian]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

'Kosovo's freedom is worth clash with Russia'

Confrontation with Russia is a price worth paying for Kosovo's independence, Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence on Sunday has sparked major diplomatic divisions around the world, and sporadic violence in the Balkans. Serb nationalists destroyed two checkpoints on Kosovo's new border with Serbia yesterday, causing Nato troops to intervene for the first time since the split from Belgrade. But a senior diplomatic source in Pristina said that "Europe has stood up and been counted" by backing Kosovo's independence. It had done so despite "Russian muscle flexing" as Moscow sought to maintain influence in the Balkans and support its key ally in the region, Serbia. The Western official said: "We wanted to do it [work towards Kosovo's independence] with Russian co-operation. But the Russians chose not to. But it is worth sorting out Kosovo even so."

He said the risk of renewed, widespread violence in the Balkans would "indisputably" have been higher had Kosovo's status remained in limbo. While Serbia and Kosovo could both join the European Union, he said Serbia was "adopting positions that make it difficult for them to head down that road". He said they were "digging a hole", referring to punitive measures Serbia was taking against its former province, including charging Kosovo's leaders with treason. Those indicted include Kosovo's prime minister, Hashim Thaci, who yesterday welcomed the EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, on an impromptu visit to Kosovo. Mr Solana said Kosovo and the EU were "good friends" despite five EU states, including Spain, opposing Kosovo's independence. He encouraged the nation to work to improve its feeble economy and battered infrastructure. "The joy that has been shown on the streets of Pristina and all over Kosovo has now to be converted into constructive and positive energy, to move towards the development of society," he said.

However, Nato troops yesterday had to rush to the United Nations-controlled border posts at Banja and Jarinje on Kosovo's northern border with Serbia after Serb mobs set fire to offices and vehicles. UN police at the posts - all ethnic Serbs themselves - were moved to safety by a police unit as the crowds moved in. "About 1,000 Serbs arrived from Kosovo and another 150 from Serbia greeted each other and broke out into huge violence," said one police officer. Nato troops restored order after 45 minutes and there were no injuries. For a second day, thousands of Serbs marched to a bridge that separates them from Albanian communities in Kosovo's divided town of Mitrovica, chanting slogans against the new state. Mr Thaci described the violence as "isolated incidents". "They will not undermine the dignified celebrations of independence," he said.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main...wkosovo120.xml

[Angessa]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Hello Armenian friends. I been watching this thread for few years now and finally decided to comment. I been interesting view this to learn what others think and westerner periodicals say about My nation. I want to say that have great respect and honor to the Armenian people. They have proud and long amazing history that rivals many others. I know many Russians feel the same was as I. I am ashamed of the skinheads in russia who resent arrive thought that may prove otherwise. They are small group and seem be a puppet to western groups

I hope you all do not believe all Muslims are bad and horrible. There is many good moral and honorable Muslims who want nothing but friendship and love with orthodox people. They share the same enemy we do and believe the turks, Albanians and other wabaism Muslims are traitors and puppets to the american and west. Many from Syria and southern russia feel this way. Including Chechnya people who actually support russia and where invaded from wabaism Muslims from saudia Arabia who murder anyone who would not convert. I live in Kazan, Russia and we have nothing but mutual harmony between orthodox church and Islam

Thank you posting this thread and your support for Russia over the years. I have the same support to great Armenian people as well. My humble prayers go out to you Armenians and your family may god bless. I apologies for any poor english mistakes.( ps if you like learn more Kazan or see photographs my fiance took ofRrussia, here is his youtube channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/cortezawwris. I take care of while he on his duty in Syria)

My loving regards Angessa

[Armenian]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Protesters Attack U.S. Embassy in Belgrade

Hundreds of thousands to demonstrate in Belgrade (Russia Today video): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rRgmIzUKTk

Demonstrators attacked the United States Embassy and set part of it ablaze on Thursday as tens of thousands of angry Serbs took to the streets of Belgrade to protest Kosovo’s declaration of independence. The United States has been a strong advocate of Kosovo’s independence from Serbia and was among the first countries to recognize the new state, stoking deep resentment. Rian Harris, an embassy spokeswoman, said that a body had been found inside the building, but that all embassy staff members were accounted for.

Witnesses said that at least 100 people broke into the embassy, which was closed, and burned some of its rooms. One protester ripped the American flag from the facade of the building. An estimated 1,000 demonstrators cheered as the vandals, some wearing masks, jumped onto the building’s balcony waving a Serbian flag and chanting “Serbia, Serbia!” the witnesses said. A police convoy firing tear gas dispersed the crowd. The Associated Press reported that the small fires at the embassy were quickly extinguished. Serbian television reported that the Croatian Embassy had also been attacked, and the state news agency said that the Bosnian and Turkish Embassies were also targets. The police said at least 140 people had been injured in the incidents, 32 of them police officers. Security sources estimated that 150,000 people joined the protests. Groups also broke into a McDonald’s in central Belgrade and destroyed its interior. Witnesses said vandals were attacking foreign-owned shops, including a Nike store, and were seen carrying off shoes and other goods as the Serbian police looked on. The United States Embassy had been closed since Sunday after it was stoned.

R. Nicholas Burns, the under secretary of state for political affairs, telephoned Serbian officials to formally complain about the breaching of the embassy, said a State Department spokesman, Sean McCormack. Mr. McCormack told reporters on Thursday that “we would hold the Serbian government personally responsible for the safety and well-being of our embassy employees.” He added that the security that had been provided was completely inadequate. The United Nations Security Council issued a unanimous statement of the 15 members saying they “condemn in the strongest terms the mob attacks against embassies in Belgrade which have resulted in damage to embassy premises and have endangered diplomatic personnel.” The action was taken at the urging of Zalmay Khalilzad, the American ambassador.

The violence fueled fears in Washington and Brussels that Serbia was turning to the virulent nationalism of the past. But Serbian analysts predicted the country would ultimately embrace the West as it came to terms with losing its medieval heartland. In recent days, Western leaders have watched with growing alarm as Serbia’s hard-line prime minister, Vojislav Kostunica, who helped lead the revolution that overthrew Slobodan Milosevic in 2000, has replicated the nationalist talk of the late dictator, who used Serbs’ outrage that their ancestral heartland was dominated by Muslim Albanians to come to power in Serbia. “As long as we live, Kosovo is Serbia,” Mr. Kostunica told the crowd in Belgrade. “We’re not alone in our fight. President Putin is with us,” he said of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia. In a sign of the divisions within Serbia’s government, the pro-Western president, Boris Tadic, was absent from the rally, on a state visit to Romania.

Western diplomats said their hope for a moderate Serbia had been buttressed by the recent re-election of Mr. Tadic, who campaigned on the argument that holding on to Kosovo did not justify sacrificing Serbia’s future in Europe. Their optimism, however, was tempered by the strong election showing for Mr. Tadic’s opponent, Tomislav Nikolic, a far-right nationalist who has exploited Serbs’ discontent over Kosovo by arguing that Serbia should reject Europe and look to Moscow and China instead. But while Moscow has gained in popularity in Serbia by blocking Kosovo’s integration into the international community, leading Serbian intellectuals said most Serbs realized that the Kremlin’s willingness to fight for their cause was limited. “Russia wasn’t there to help Serbs during the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia, it wasn’t there to help Serbs in 1999 during the NATO bombing, and most people realize it will not go that far now,” said Zoran Dogramadziev, a leading Serbian writer.

In the short term, analysts said an anti-European Union backlash would gain force after the West’s support for an independent Kosovo. But Marko Blagojevic, an analyst with the Center for Democracy and Free Elections in Belgrade and a pollster, stressed that recent polls showed that 65 percent of Serbs saw their future in the European Union. Mr. Blagojevic said he did not believe this had drastically changed. He noted that only about 10 percent of Serbs supported going to war over Kosovo. Serbian analysts said that rather than reflecting a resurgence of dangerous nationalism, the protests over Kosovo reflected disenchantment by the “losers of the transition” — those Serbs who have not benefited from the country’s democratic transformation during the eight years since Mr. Milosevic fell. Unemployment hovers at about 21 percent, while the country’s annual per capita gross domestic product of about $7,400 has made Serbia one of Europe’s poorest countries.

Without European Union membership, Serbs do not enjoy the open borders of their neighbors. Many Serbs say they feel isolated and closed in. Yet many of the younger generation say they would happily trade poor, landlocked Kosovo for better jobs and economic security. “For my generation, the opportunity to have a good life is far more important than this piece of land,” said Aleksandar Obradovic, a 23-year-old political scientist from Belgrade who did not protest on Thursday and, like many Serbs, has never been to Kosovo. Ljubica Gojgic, a leading Serbian commentator, noted that Mr. Milosevic had been overthrown by the Serbian people, who had recently put their faith in a newly elected moderate president, backed by the West. “If Tadic is good enough for the E.U. and Washington, why is he not acceptable to the Albanians in Kosovo?” she asked. “Milosevic is dead.”

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/wo...e35&ei=5087%0A

[Armenian]

Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

Welcome Angessa,

Hello Armenian friends. I been watching this thread for few years now and finally decided to comment. I been interesting view this to learn what others think and westerner periodicals say about My nation.

Why did you wait so long? I would love to see comments by a native Russian. Ever since the fall of the Soviet Union, the West has been busy trying to destroy the potential of the Russian nation. And ever since Putin and Russian nationalists took control of the government in Moscow the anti-Russian agenda of the West has been steadily growing. We see this in Central Asia, in the Balkans, in the Baltic region, in the Caucasus. Russia today faces great dangers from the West. I hope the average Russian realizes this. By maintaining this thread I want to do my part, albeit small, to expose young American-Armenians to the realities of the Russian Federation, the importance of Russian-Armenians relations and the nature of global geopolitics.

I want to say that have great respect and honor to the Armenian people. They have proud and long amazing history that rivals many others. I know many Russians feel the same was as I. I am ashamed of the skinheads in russia who resent arrive thought that may prove otherwise. They are small group and seem be a puppet to western groups

I know this Angessa. But many individuals in the West try to use this problem to cause division between Armenia and Russia. The West has been trying very hard to break Armenia away from Russian influence. In my opinion, this will 'never' happen. Russian-Armenian relations go back many centuries, as far back as Kievan Russ. Needless to say, I have evolved/grown to become a Russophile. I believe that Russia can, in the long run, save western civilization and Christianity.

I just hope that the Russian people first rediscover their nationalism and their Christian Orthodox traditions.

I hope you all do not believe all Muslims are bad and horrible. There is many good moral and honorable Muslims who want nothing but friendship and love with orthodox people. They share the same enemy we do and believe the turks, Albanians and other wabaism Muslims are traitors and puppets to the american and west. Many from Syria and southern russia feel this way. Including Chechnya people who actually support russia and where invaded from wabaism Muslims from saudia Arabia who murder anyone who would not convert. I live in Kazan, Russia and we have nothing but mutual harmony between orthodox church and Islam.

Again you are correct. Armenians know this well. Many Armenians live in Iran, Syria and Lebanon. Armenians have very good relations with these Islamic peoples. The real problem with Islam are nation like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. And the closest allies of these problematic Islamic nations are western powers. Throughout the 80s and the 90s the West has used these Islamic fanatics from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to fight Russians, Indians, Iranians, Serbians and Armenians. The real trouble makers in Chechnya were the Americans, the Brits, the Azeris, the Georgians and the Turks. The problem in Chechnya was not 'religion' it was western 'geopolitical' interests.

Thank you posting this thread and your support for Russia over the years. I have the same support to great Armenian people as well. My humble prayers go out to you Armenians and your family may god bless.

You kind words alone make the time I spend on this thread worth while for me.

I apologies for any poor english mistakes.

Please do not apologize. You probably write and speak English better than most Americans and Brits. I am sorry I don't speak Russian. I was not born in Armenia.

( ps if you like learn more Kazan or see photographs my fiance took of Rrussia, here is his youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/cortezawwris. I take care of while he on his duty in Syria)

It's beautiful, I particularly love the folk song. I have great respect for Kuban Cossacks. I also found the other materials quite interesting as well. This is your fiance's youtube site? Is your fiance in Syria on business or military duty?

My loving regards Angessa

I ask you to please make periodic posts in this thread. I would like to hear your opinions on various topics. Thank you for your sincere compliments and God bless Mother Russia.