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The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

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

    Medvedev inspects missile base on first presidential trip



    On his first visit as commander-in-chief of Russia's armed forces, President Dmitry Medvedev has visited the Ivanovo region to examine the base of a regiment equipped with the Topol-M mobile missile system. Speaking during the trip, Medvedev said Russia must be prepared to invest in its missile defences. ”It’s obvious that our task for the near future, for the next few years, is to have the strategic missile troops receive all the necessary funding in order to correspond to the modern level of threat, in the situation that really exists on the planet today. For different reasons, both objective and subjective, development was extremely slow in the 1990s, but over the recent years some progress has become apparent and our task for today is not to slow down,” Medvedev said. The Topol-M missile near the town of Teikovo in central Russia is one of the most recent inter-continental ballistic missiles produced by the country's military. Medvedev, who is on his first trip across Russia since his inauguration, is also expected to visit the city of Kostroma. Ivan Konovalov from the Centre for Analysis of Strategy and Technology says the Topol-M intercontinental missiles are the basis of Russia's nuclear shield.

    Source: http://www.russiatoday.ru/news/news/24792

    New leaders unlikely to ease US-Russian tensions


    Russia's new president has promised the kind of democratic change that Washington advocated during predecessor Vladimir Putin's tenure. At the same time, all the candidates to succeed President Bush have promised a break from a foreign policy that Moscow has bitterly criticized. Still, there is scant optimism that the changes in leadership in Moscow and Washington will shift the downward momentum in relations between the two nuclear powers. Few Russian analysts in Washington believe that Dmitry Medvedev, the new Russian president hand-picked by Putin, will have the power to boost democratic rights, as he has promised. And while all three U.S. candidates pledge to work more cooperatively with other nations than Bush has, campaign rhetoric suggests none would take a more conciliatory approach to Russia after they move into the White House in January.

    "All three candidates have a jaundiced view of Russia's recent performance in terms of political freedoms, freedom of the press and civil rights," said Leon Aron, director of Russian studies at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. "It is likely that the next administration will be more critical." Skepticism in Washington follows from the belief that Putin, whom Medvedev appointed prime minister a day after his May 7 inauguration, will bring most of the power of his old post to his new one. "Putin is not going to be a potted plant," David Kramer, assistant U.S. secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor, said in an interview. "He has sent signals that he is going to be active and influential."

    Randy Schoeneman, an adviser to Republican candidate John McCain, also has doubts that Medvedev will control Russia's course. "Senator McCain hopes to see a number of changes in Russian policy, but given what appears to be the power relationship between Medvedev and Putin, it's unclear whether Medvedev, even if he wants to change anything, will have any ability," Schoeneman said. The Bush-Putin relationship began warmly. After their first meeting in June 2001, Bush famously commented that he looked into Putin's eyes and "was able to get a sense of his soul." Putin's support for the United States after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks also boosted ties. But those relations deteriorated with U.S. criticism that Russia was becoming more autocratic; Russian opposition to the Iraq war; sharp bilateral differences on U.S. missile defense plans in Europe; the independence of Kosovo; and separatist movements in Georgia.

    In a rare diplomatic breakthrough in recent relations, the Bush administration signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia this month. But that deal is facing stiff opposition from lawmakers, who argue that Russia is not doing enough to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and that now is not the time for cooperation with Putin's Russia. The anti-Russian — or anti-Putin — mood is also appearing in the presidential campaign. Of the three candidates, McCain has been the most outspoken critic. He has advocated expelling Russia from the Group of Eight industrial nations and made Putin the butt of a punch line. During a campaign speech in October, he joked that like Bush, he has looked into Putin's eyes. "I saw three things: a K and a G and a B." Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, whose prospects for beating Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination are dwindling, also has played on Bush's line and Putin's earlier career in the Soviet intelligence service. "I could have told (Bush) he was a KGB agent; by definition he doesn't have a soul," she said in January. (That brought a rebuke from Putin, who said, "At a minimum, a head of state should have a head.")

    Obama has been more cautious. Michael McFaul, a Stanford University political science professor who is advising Obama, said Obama does not believe in isolating Russia and would cultivate cooperation, especially on reducing U.S. and Russian nuclear stockpiles. But he said Obama will not shy from criticism. "President Bush seems to believe that if he treats Putin as a friend and turns the other way when it comes to these other issues, that will lead to a more cooperative relationship with Russia," McFaul said. "The historical evidence is not there to support that strategy." Even if the next U.S. president were looking to improve relations, the new administration may find it hard to change course on issues that have kept tensions simmering. McCain is an ardent supporter of Bush administration plans to install a radar system in the Czech Republic and missile interceptors in Poland to defend against missiles targeting the West. While the two Democrats have expressed skepticism about costs of the proposed project, they may be bound by agreements the administration is trying to lock up with the two NATO allies.

    Like Bush, all three candidates have supported the former Soviet republic Georgia's hopes for joining NATO, which Russia opposes. Two years ago, McCain and Clinton both nominated Georgia's pro-Western President Mikhail Saakashvili, an ardent antagonist of Moscow, for the Nobel Peace Prize. Tensions over Georgia have increased in recent weeks as Russia moved toward recognizing two breakaway territories, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, that have sought independence since separatist wars in the 1990s. Putin signaled that his move to step up ties with the territories was related to Western recognition of the Balkan province Kosovo's independence from Serbia over Russian objections.

    Source: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j...A3M4QD90NBGI00
    Մեր ժողովուրդն արանց հայրենասիրութեան այն է, ինչ որ մի մարմին' առանց հոգու:

    Նժդեհ


    Please visit me at my Heralding the Rise of Russia blog: http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/

    Comment


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

      something becoming increasingly likely
      I wonder if this is wishful thinking on their part.

      Comment


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

        Originally posted by Armenian
        what if Azerbaijan actually wins the fight against Armenia? A victory by Baku would be a palpable blow against Russian power, allowing Azerbaijan to continue on its Westward push without fear of Moscow.
        I am having hard time comprehending this logic. What would Russia do in these events? Cry while turks gradually control its influence? And Iran will sit back and enjoy the influential growth of its azeri problem? I can tell you very confidently IT WON'T HAPPEN.

        What will happen is the azeris will be rewarded partially the none Karabagh territories by Russia after a small conflict in order for Russia to gain the azeri's influence/sympathy. Chances are Iran is planning on that influence in the near future. Armenia and azerbaijan are where the future dividing line are being drawn to prevent any horizontal Western intrusion. From Russia to Armenia all the countries will be under Russian influence. From Yemen to Azerbaijan will be under the Iranian influence. Armenia and Azerbaijan will be the "hand shake" of each respective powers. The West and israel/Rothschil oil powers are trying to prevent this equation at all cost.

        Pay attention of the Saudis rapprochement towards Russia. Fearing of the above equation they are starting to buy Russian armaments and challenging Bush/Americans ... hopping that would send the US on attacking Iran.

        Comment


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

          Great stuff, Armenian. Thank you!
          But Russia is not the arms only though.....



          Champions! Russia sink Canada to win world hockey title



          YEAH!!!!!!!................

          GO RUSSIA!!!!!!!!!!!


          Russia came from behind in Sunday’s World Ice Hockey final against Canada to claim their first title in 15 years. The home team led for most of the match, but in a dramatic comeback, Russia leveled in the last period. Ilya Kovalchuk scored the winner in overtime, giving Russia a 5-4 victory.

          VIDEO -
          RussiaToday : Sports : Champions! Russia sink Canada to win world hockey title




          The world ice hockey trophy is on its way back to Russia after a gap of 15 years. Left-sided striker Ilya Kovalchuk scored the golden goal in overtime, breaking Canadian hearts and sending Russian fans into a frenzy of joy.

          Before the final in Quebec, the team's best finish in recent years was silver in 2002.

          Sunday's face-off was the first time the giants of world hockey have met in the final. The last time they played each other in this competition was in the semis three years ago when Canada won 4-3.

          Russia had its revenge at the Olympic quarter-finals in 2006, when the score ended 2-0.

          Russia's victory on Sunday means both sides have each won 24 world titles.




          Comment


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

            Edit
            Last edited by Armenian; 05-29-2008, 05:34 AM.
            Մեր ժողովուրդն արանց հայրենասիրութեան այն է, ինչ որ մի մարմին' առանց հոգու:

            Նժդեհ


            Please visit me at my Heralding the Rise of Russia blog: http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/

            Comment


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

              Although there are a few wrinkles that need to be ironed out, for better or for worst, Armenia's future lies with the Russian Federation. Why Russia? Besides the centuries long history between Armenians and Russians, besides the fact that due to a Russian presence in the region there is an Armenia in the Caucasus today, besides the fact that Russia is amongst the most advanced nations on earth - Armenians need to understand that the twenty-first century potentially belongs to Russia. This is, in essence, why we are currently seeing a frenzy of activity in the West to contain and/or undermine the Russian Federation throughout Eurasia. What's more, Armenians need to understand that Russia is a natural bulwork against pan-Turkism, western imperialism and Sunni fundamentalism. I am very glad that the "Hanrapetakan" party in Armenia, represented today by president Serzh Sargsyan, has had the strategic foresight to make sure that Armenia remains firmly within Moscow's sphere of influence. Concurrently, I am grateful that Moscow continues to realize the vital strategic importance of the Armenian Republic within the Caucasus. Why is Armenia important for Russia? For geostrategic reasons, namely to keep NATO and Turks out of the Caucasus and to secure its oil/gas distribution networks, Moscow needs Armenia as an ally in the region. And as noted above, for geostrategic, economic and survival reasons - Armenia needs Russian support.

              The fact of the matter is, the West has no real interests within the tiny landlocked resource-less Armenian Republic other than to make sure official Yerevan does not interfere with their regional projects. The West's interest in the region is primarily the exploitation of Caspian Sea basin oil and gas, keeping the large powerful nation of Turkey within its sphere of influence and keeping Russia at bay, out of the Caucasus. Needless to say, without the Russian factor at play in the Caucasus, the every existence of the Armenian nation can be at risk. For the West, Armenia is simply a geopolitical obstacle, a nuisance. For Russia, Armenia is a strategic gate, a foothold in the Caucasus, that it has to protect for its national interests. For Armenia, Russia is a sustainer that it needs to stay alive in a very volatile and complicated geopolitical environment. For a small, landlocked and resources-less nation surrounded by historic enemies in an increasingly complicated world, Armenia has no other option but to place its longterm and short term hopes upon Mother Russia. May God bless the centuries old Russo-Armenian alliance.

              When it comes to the nature of Russian-Armenian relations the following is what matters:

              Armenian

              *****************************

              Armenia Armed by Russia for battles with Azerbaijan Scandal compared to Iran-Contra



              Russia secretly has shipped more than $1 billion worth of arms to Armenia, apparently to be used against - pro-Western Azerbaijan and - to force the Azeris -and their strategic oil reserves into Russia's orbit. Aman Tuleyev, minister for relations with the Commonwealth of Independent States, has acknowledged that Moscow supplied Armenia with 84 T-72 main battle tanks, 72 heavy howitzers, 24 Scud missiles with eight launchers, 50 armored personnel carriers and millions of rounds of ammunition. Lev Rokhlin, the chairman of the Defense Committee of the Duma, the lower House of the Russian parliament, told a closed Duma session April 2 that Moscow had -shipped $1 billion worth of weapons to the tough, nationalist government of President Levon Ter-Petrosian in Yerevan. His report was similar to Mr. Tuleyev's acknowledgment. Between 1992 and early 1994, when the conflict was at its height, Russian heavy transport aircraft were said to have ferried 1,300 tons of ammunition across the Caucasus to the Armenian capital. Most of the tanks were flown in aboard giant Antonov planes from the city of Akhtubinsk.

              The Azeris say Russia also supplied 1,000 hand-fired Strela-2 and Strela-3 anti-aircraft missiles, which were moved by ship across The Caspian Sea, then sent over land through Iran to Armenia. Iran has denied playing any role. Western intelligence sources said The weapons played a crucial role in Armenia's, seizure of large areas of Azerbaijan, which created a million refugees, more than from any other conflict in Europe since World War II. Although Russia's military support for Armenia in its long conflict with Azerbaijan has been well-known, the extent of the arms transfers came as a surprise.

              Responding to the revelations, Russian President Boris Yeltsin ordered a major government probe Saturday that could implicate his longtime defense minister, Marshal Pavel Grachev who was fired last spring. Russian military prosecutors are considering calling Marshal Grachev in for questioning over the scandal, which has been compared to The Iran-Contra affair. The- chairman of the Azeri parliament, Murtuz Alesketov, said Saturday the arms shipments could destabilize the Caucasus. "If these arms are not returned, this could lead to a new large-scale war in the region" he said at parliamentary hearings in Baku. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union at the end of 1991, Shi'ite Muslim Azerbaijan has eagerly courted American oil companies to help it develop the immense oil and gas reserves of the Caspian Sea, estimated as second in size and value only to those in the Persian Gulf. Russia has responded by backing Orthodox Christian Armenia, its historic
              ally.

              [...]

              Source: http://www.geocities.com/baguirov/arms1.htm

              ARMENIA AND RUSSIA REASSERT BONDS AMID GEORGIA’S CRISIS



              While Georgia’s political crisis continues into its third week, Russian officials have praised Armenia as a chief ally in the volatile Transcaucasus region, potentially strengthening strategic ties between Moscow and Yerevan. On Nov.14, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov met with his Armenian counterpart Vardan Oskanian in Moscow. Russia’s chief diplomat hailed the bilateral alliance. Oskanian noted "complicated situation" in the region and dismissed media allegations that Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze had requested assistance from Armenian President Robert Kocharian. "It did not happen," Oskanian said, according to the RIA news agency. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov also distanced Russia and Armenia from the crisis in Georgia. Ivanov dubbed Armenia as "Russia’s only ally in the south," called Russian arms supplies to Armenia "purely defensive" and pledged to replenish them. "Russia’s military presence in Armenia is necessary. The military hardware at the Russian 102nd base makes any threat to Armenia unrealistic," Ivanov told a news conference in Yerevan, according to Interfax. "We will rearm and re-equip the Russian 102nd military base in Armenia." On November 11, Ivanov and his Armenian counterpart Serge Sarkisian signed a number of agreements on the Russian military base as well as on bilateral military cooperation in 2004. The deals seem to bolster what is already a close strategic relationship. "These agreements would allow the 102nd base to feel more comfortable," Ivanov reportedly commented. Russian forces in Armenia reportedly use MiG-29 jetfighters and S300 PMU1 air defense batteries, an advanced version of the SA-10C Grumble air defense missile. According to Russian missile manufacturers, the new S300 has anti-stealth capability and can shoot down combat aircraft, cruise missiles as well as ballistic missiles in an ABM mode. The S300 PMU1 missile system can engage targets flying as low as 10 meters off the ground at a range of up to 150 kilometers.

              [...]

              Source: http://www.eurasianet.org/department...av111703.shtml

              Russia to invest over half billion dollars to Armenian economy



              Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian President Robert Kocharyan today had meeting, APA reports quoting RIA Novosti agency.
              The sides discussed huge projects to be implemented with the participation of Russia in Armenia. Kremlin source stated that bilateral cooperation in energy with the participation of Gasprom occupies special place among these projects. Over $500 million will be invested in Armenian economy in the framework of this project. Involvement of Russian capital into the development of Razdan Thermal Power Station, construction of refinery near Mehri city, modernization of Armenia’s railways and other transport infrastructures, atomic energy, gold production and other fields are on focus. Putin and Kocharyan also touched on several international problems and the situation in the Caucasus.

              Source: http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=33372

              Gazprom: Oil Refinery in Armenia To Process Crude Oil from Iran



              A subsidiary of Russia's state-run Gazprom gas giant confirmed on Friday reports that it is considering building a big oil refinery in Armenia that would process crude from neighboring Iran. A spokesman for the Gazprom-Neft company, Natalya Vyalkina, told RFE/RL that both the Armenian and Russian governments are looking into the project estimated at a staggering $1.7 billion. She would not say when they could make concrete decisions. Reports in the Russian press have said President Robert Kocharian discussed the matter with Russian Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko and other top officials during his confidential visit to Moscow last week. Khristenko’s ministry refused to comment on the information. Russian-Armenian cooperation on energy was on the agenda of Kocharian’s follow-up talks with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. The projected refinery would reportedly be built in Meghri, an Armenian town close to the Iranian border, and have the capacity to process up to 7 million tons of Iranian oil each year. Petrol produced by it would be exported to Iran. Despite its vast oil reserves, the Islamic Republic has to import gasoline to meet domestic demand.

              Source: http://www.huliq.com/8161/gazprom-oi...-oil-from-iran

              Russia going to finance construction of new NPP in Armenia?



              Russia is ready to fully finance construction of a new Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia, IA Regnum reports with a reference to a source in the Armenian government. Some agreements were achieved during the recent visit of Sergey Kiriyenko, the head of the Russia’s Federal Atomic Energy Agency (Rosatom) to Yerevan. Russia will be a joint owner of the new Armenian NPP, according to the source. Russia’s share in abuilding NPPs in foreign states may make from 5% to 20-30%. Kiriyenko said Russia is ready to send specialists for the works to be carried out. The Armenian authorities are planning to build a new NPP, since the republic has no other alternative after the closing of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant. At a meeting with the students of the Yerevan State University RA President Robert Kocharian said Armenia should have atomic energy and works are carried out in this direction. Some $240 million is essential to close the ANPP whose operation term expires in 2016. However, with joining the European Neighborhood Policy, Armenia undertook to close the NPP in the shortest terms.

              Source: http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=22103

              Russian defense minister visited Memorial to victims of the Armenian Genocide



              On January 26, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov who is currently in Armenia, visited Memorial to victims of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Empire in Yerevan. As a REGNUM correspondent informs, the Russian minister was accompanied by Secretary of National Security Council of the Armenian President, Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisyan, representative of the country’s military commandment, Russian Ambassador to Armenia and other officials. Ivanov placed a wreath to the Eternal Flame and observed the pine tree that he had planted by himself at the Alley of memory. Besides, during his trip Ivanov visited Russian military base in Gyumri, met the Armenian president, prime minister and defense minister of Armenia.

              Source: http://www.regnum.ru/english/polit/579732.html

              One of Russia’s priorities – relations with Armenia - Lavrov



              Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday relations with Armenia is one of Russia’s priorities. “We believe that stability in the Caucasus depends in many respects on Armenia’s situation,” he told a meeting with students and professors of the Yerevan State University. “It is possible to ensure such stability not by means of creating a certain bloc, but by means of joint efforts,” he said. “Within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization we do not try to fence off ourselves from others or work against anyone,” he said. The Collective Security Treaty Organization is “aimed at stability, counteraction to terrorism and drugs trafficking and open cooperation with the countries interested in resolving these tasks,” Lavrov said. He pointed out that Russia is interested in calm on its borders, stable development of neighbouring countries and “mutually advantageous and equal cooperation with them proceeding from the interests of our economies and our countries.”

              Source: http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2....2515&PageNum=0
              Մեր ժողովուրդն արանց հայրենասիրութեան այն է, ինչ որ մի մարմին' առանց հոգու:

              Նժդեհ


              Please visit me at my Heralding the Rise of Russia blog: http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/

              Comment


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

                Sargsyan Wins Putin's Seal of Approval



                President Vladimir Putin and Serzh Sargsyan on Monday pledged continuity in bilateral relations, as the Armenian president-elect made Moscow his first destination after being declared the winner in a controversial election last month. "I know that political processes in Armenia are not developing easily, but we very much hope that everything we have built up in bilateral relations in recent years will remain and develop further in the future, regardless of events inside Armenia," Putin said at the start of the talks in the Kremlin. Sargsyan was elected in a Feb. 19 vote that the opposition says was rigged. The growing protests that followed were then violently dispersed by police and a 20-day state of emergency was imposed. The state of emergency ended last week. Sargsyan thanked Putin for Russia's support, including its backing in the run-up to the Armenian vote. "Both [Armenian President Robert Kocharyan] and our ambassador passed your personal messages on to me, and I will be honest: Never before have we witnessed such an unambiguous approach," he said. Sargsyan's trip comes on the heels of a visit by Kocharyan, who came to Moscow for an informal Commonwealth of Independent States summit on Feb. 22.

                Putin congratulated Sargsyan, currently prime minister, on his victory, while Sargsyan said the election of First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as Putin's replacement in March instilled hope that the bilateral relations would continue to develop positively. Sargsyan met Medvedev earlier on Monday. Sargsyan is to be inaugurated on April 9, while the ceremony for Medvedev will take place on May 7. The talks between Putin and Sargsyan were to focus on expanding trade and economic relations, including nuclear cooperation, the Kremlin said in a statement on Monday. Armenia has been invited to join Russia's international uranium enrichment center in Angarsk and is expected to finalize its commitment in the near future.

                Azhdar Kurtov, an analyst with the Russian Institute of Strategic Studies, said continuity in relations with Yerevan was important for Moscow, as Armenia remains virtually its only ally in the South Caucasus. "Armenia has been successful so far in keeping the Caucasus from drifting toward the West or, rather, the south," said Kurtov, who focuses on the CIS. Landlocked Armenia borders Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran and Turkey, in a region that is becoming a key transit route for oil exports to European and world markets. Georgia and Azerbaijan have both said they are interested in NATO membership.

                The difference between Moscow's relations with Armenia and its relationship with Georgia was evident, Kurtov said, from the Russian media coverage of postelection riots in Yerevan and of the earlier riots in Tbilisi. The disturbances and the police reaction in Armenia have received much less coverage than did the events in Georgia, he said. Armenia, which hosts a Russian military base, is part of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization, a regional body aimed at strengthening military and political ties. Armenia will take over the chairmanship of the organization this fall.

                Russian investment in Armenia totaled about $1 billion at the end of 2007, a year that saw trade between the countries top $800 million, the Kremlin said, adding that a figure of $1 billion was a realistic forecast for the near future. In a standard indication of good relations between the countries, the Kremlin said Armenia would host a series of Russian cultural events this year, while Russia would host a "Season of Armenian Culture" in 2009. Despite the pledges of continued friendship, however, Gazprom is soon likely to significantly hike the prices that Armenia pays it for gas, analysts have said. Armenia currently pays a mere $110 per thousand cubic meters.

                Source: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/storie...03/25/003.html

                Armenia only strategic ally for Russia in South Caucasus



                A significant breakthrough occurred in the Russian-Armenian relations during past eight years, said Nikolay Ryzhkov, member of the RF Federation Council, co-chair of the Russian-Armenian commission for interparliamentary cooperation. “Frequent presidential visits as well as conduction of the Year of Russia in Armenia and the Year of Armenia in Russia helped the relationship, he said. “Russia and Armenia enjoy good political relations. Undoubtedly, the atmosphere is created by our leaders. There are possibilities to fortify our military base in Gyumri, to develop economic and humanitarian contacts,” Mr Ryzhkov said. “At the moment we are all awaiting the February 19 presidential election. The shift of power in our countries will take place almost simultaneously and I am hopeful that the policy of past eight years formed owing to activities of Presidents Kocharian and Putin will undergo no changes,” he went on. “When I was Prime Minister I treated all of three South Caucasian republics equally. Now, the situation is different. Armenia is Russia’s only strategic ally in the South Caucasus. I am confident that the RF leadership will not allow losing such a partner,” Mr Ryzhkov said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

                Source: http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=24844

                TV REPORTS ON AIR DEFENCE EXERCISE AT RUSSIAN AIR BASE IN ARMENIA




                MiG-29 "Fulcrum" Erebuni AFB: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjdlRvYWpHI

                Zvezda TV, Russia, Ministry of Defense May 4 2008

                [Presenter] The country's southern shield is being tested for robustness: alert signals were sounded again at the Russian air base in Armenia. Fighter aircraft are scrambled into the air. A few minutes into the flight it becomes clear that it was a practice alert. The air defence forces on the ground also tested their readiness to repel attacks. Our special correspondent Andrey Kovtunenko followed the military exercise in Armenia's peaceful skies.

                [Correspondent] [Passage omitted] It is battle quarters at the Russian air base of Erebuni. [Passage omitted] While the pilot is getting ready for the flight, the technicians, having run 100 metres [to the aircraft], are removing covers from a MiG-29. A few minutes later, the pilot jumps into the xxxxpit and is ready to take off. [Passage omitted] The border with Turkey is only 14 km away - for a MiG, it is just a couple of minutes. Therefore, depending on the combat mission, [the pilot] has to turn one way or the other and fly back. In 1998, the air group revamped its fleet: MiG-29s went on combat training duty at the CIS combined air defence system. It is now 10 years since the MiG-29 started protecting the skies over Armenia. The aircraft has acquitted itself well in hot conditions and in the mountains. Experienced pilots treat this aircraft with respect: it is easy to run and reliable in combat. One can only speak to the pilot after he has accomplished his combat mission: traditionally, they do not give interviews before the flight.

                [Yevgeniy Yakimov, captioned as an aviation regiment commander; in the xxxxpit after landing] We perform air defence tasks in the CIS combined air defence system. We are performing our tasks successfully. On 22 [presumably April] there was a major large-scale exercise at the CIS combined air defence system. We achieved our objective in full.

                [Correspondent] Only a few years ago, Turkish pilots often staged aerial tests for ours. Nowadays, this is a rare occurrence.

                [Pavel Maratkanov, captioned as deputy commander of the air base for educational work] It is not often that we are scrambled into action but it happens. Sometimes they make sorties to test us - but not often. The most recent incident was last year.

                [Correspondent] While pilots polish their aerial skills, the missile defence system is on permanent combat duty. Russian and Armenian officers track all aerial targets together. At the air defence base near Gyumri [also in Armenia], meanwhile, the S-300 and Kub-3M missile defence systems are on alert. Servicemen from this regiment recently took part in an exercise in Ashuluk [in southern Russia]. Their performance was marked as excellent.

                [Aleksandr Surinkin, captioned as anti-aircraft regiment commander] At the 2008 tactical exercise with live firing, the regiment fired on evading low-flying aerial target. The target was destroyed at the maximum range. The mark was excellent.

                [Correspondent] It is no secret to anyone here that Armenia regards the 102nd Russian military base deployed in the republic as an element of it national security. In this country, they value friendly relations.

                Source: http://groong.usc.edu/news/msg230966.html

                Putin: Russian-Armenian relations entering new level


                “Despite the hard times in the political process in Armenia, Armenian-Russian are going to develop at a new level,” president of Russia Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with Armenia's president-elect Serzh Sargsyan in Kremlin. Vladimir Putin said at the meeting that he is informed of complicated internal political processes in Armenia. Nevertheless, he observed, Russia hopes that, regardless the course of internal political events in Armenia, “everything that has been created in the preceding years, is preserved and developed in the future.” Sargsyan, for his part, said that Armenia needs to further develop relations with Russia. “We have always appreciated your help to Armenia,” Sargsyan noticed. To remind, Sargsyan has already met on March 24 with Russia's president-elect Dmitry Medvedev. He is also expected to meet with prime minister Viktor Zubkov and Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov.

                Source: http://www.regnum.ru/english/975875.html

                Yuri Luzhkov: Moscow among Armenia’s major partners


                Last year the commodity turnover between Moscow and Armenia increased by 65 per cent, Moscow’s Mayor Yuri Luzhkov said at a meeting with Armenia’s President-elect Serzh Sargsyan. “In the initial half of 2007 the turnover amounted to $70,5 million, increasing by 65 per cent during the year,” he said, adding that Moscow is one of Armenia’s major partners. “We opened the House of Moscow in Yerevan where entrepreneurs can get all necessary information for establishing their business in Armenia. A new wholesale center will open in Moscow soon. A new Armenian Church will be built,” the Mayor said. He also congratulated Serzh Sargsyan on election President of Armenia, wished him every success at the post and voiced hope for further development of the Armenian-Russian strategic partnership, Novosti Armenia reports.

                Source: http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=25477

                V. ZUBKOV: “ARMENIA CAN ALWAYS RELY ON RUSSIA”


                The labor visit of the president-elect Prime Minister of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan in the Russian Federation is over. Yesterday in the evening he returned back to Yerevan. Before his return he had a meeting with the Prime Minister of the RF Viktor Zubkov. According to the Government public relations department, Zubkov congratulated Serzh Sargsyan for his victory in the presidential elections. He said that he was sure Sargsyan’s experience and skills in the state governing sphere will contribute to the salvation of the problems. “We sincerely wish our friend and relative Armenia to be developed. And Armenia can always rely on Russia’s support,” mentioned Zubkov. The Prime Minister of the RF highly evaluated the activities carried out by Serz Sargsyan in the development and improvement of the Armenia-Russian inter-governmental committee. Note that Serzh Sargsyan had meetings with the president of Russia Vladimir Putin, the new president Dmitry Medvedev, and the mayor of Moscow Yuri Luzjkov.

                Source: http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2008/03/25/gov/

                Russia and Armenia are to move on in strategic partnership


                The newly elected Armenian president made Russia its first official visit. The two countries are to deepen relations. Yesterday the new Armenian president Serge Sarkisian visited Moscow. The Russian and Armenian presidents discussed the wide range of bilateral cooperation in political, military and other spheres. The two countries share the same opinions in lots of international problems. Yesterday in the focus of attention was Nagorno-Karabakh issue and trade-economic relations, strengthening on the gas cooperation. Russia and Armenia are bound with strategic partnership relations. Russia satisfies all Armenian gas needs and has one third of all investments in Armenia. Russia is keeping a military base in Armenia.

                Source: http://www.russia-ic.com/news/show/6023/
                Մեր ժողովուրդն արանց հայրենասիրութեան այն է, ինչ որ մի մարմին' առանց հոգու:

                Նժդեհ


                Please visit me at my Heralding the Rise of Russia blog: http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/

                Comment


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

                  This is interesting. According to the Eurasia Daily Monitor, a publication of the very influential American based Think Tank The Jamestown Foundation, the Armenian Republic belongs in a group of nations that "have been involved in ethnic cleansing operations" and "side(s) habitually with Russia"... In this context, Armenia reminds me of Serbia and Azeris remind me of Albanians. In that case, what's stopping these butt-wipes in Washington DC from bombing Yerevan or Stepanakert in an attempt to "save" the endangered Azeris from total annihilation, as they did with Albanians? What's stopping the forces of "Freedom" and "Democracy" from setting up a massive military base in Stepanakert to protect the Azeris, as they did in Kosovo to protect the Albanians? Whether we Armenians like it or not, the answer is - the Russian Federation's military presence in the region. Nonetheless, Armenian-Americans need to wake the fuck up and realize that this is precisely how official Washington sees Armenia. I simply ask the reader to imagine the Armenian Republic without its Russian umbrella. And now imagine Armenia with Levon Petrosian as president instead of Serzh Sargsyan.

                  Armenian

                  **************************

                  U.N. RESOLUTION ON ABKHAZIA SHOWS WHO’S WHO ON ETHNIC CLEANSING



                  On May 15 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a Georgian resolution recognizing the right of expellees to return to Georgia’s Abkhazia region. The voting was 14 countries in favor, 11 against, and 105 abstaining, with another 63 countries not voting. Adoption of the resolution puts the General Assembly on record as calling for a reversal of ethnic cleansing in the case of Abkhazia and potentially further afield. The arithmetic of the vote, however, shows feeble international support for pursuing the issue. Russia and Armenia led the opposition to the resolution.

                  “Deploring practices of arbitrary forced displacement [such as the] expulsion of hundreds of thousands of persons from Abkhazia, Georgia,” the resolution cites several times “the reports of ‘ethnic cleansing’” from that region since 1994. The resolution enshrined for the first time a set of principles that Georgia and its supporters had long advocated as a basis for resolving this conflict. First, it “recognizes the right of return of all refugees and internally displaced persons and their descendants, regardless of ethnicity, to Abkhazia, Georgia.” Second, it “emphasizes the importance of preserving the property rights of refugees and internally displaced persons … and calls upon all member states [read: Russia] to deter persons under their jurisdiction from obtaining property in Abkhazia, Georgia, in violation of the rights of refugees.” And third, it “underlines the urgent need for a rapid development of a timetable to ensure the prompt voluntary return of all refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes.”

                  Concurrently “emphasizing that the rights of the Abkhaz population have to be protected and guaranteed,” a point included in Georgia’s draft from the outset, the resolution “requests” the UN Secretary-General to report comprehensively on the implementation of this resolution at next year’s session of the General Assembly. In the debate before the vote, Georgia’s UN envoy Irakli Alasania reminded the Assembly of the forced exodus of hundreds of thousands of people of Georgian and other ethnicities from Abkhazia, their growing despair, and the unlawful seizure of the homes and property they had to leave behind. Alluding to Russia’s role, he said that the conflict was an “example of how externally generated conflicts have been maintained in a frozen situation to subdue the people of Georgia.” He reaffirmed Georgia’s proposals for autonomy and direct talks with the de facto Abkhaz authorities.

                  The European Union failed to adopt a common position. Nine member countries, including eight new ones and Sweden, joined the United States to vote for the Georgian-proposed resolution. That European group coincides approximately with the New Group of Friends of Georgia, which has come into its own since 2007. Up to 17 EU member countries (all the “old” ones except Sweden) abstained from voting. Speaking for those countries, Germany, France, and Italy claimed that the UN Security Council traditionally dealt with this conflict, thus implying that a General Assembly debate was redundant. Beyond procedural arguments, however, Germany objected to the resolution’s content. It claimed that the document “ignored many other aspects of the situation,” i.e., that it did not reflect Russian views. Germany spoke in its capacity as chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Group of Friends of Georgia (Russia, the United States, Britain, France, and Germany). This group operates (when it does at all) based on consensus with Russia, thereby making it dysfunctional, while in this case providing Germany with an excuse to take the position it does.

                  Turkey also abstained, while calling on “all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution” and expressing its readiness “to assist in that effort.” Indeed Turkey, home to significant Abkhaz and related Circassian communities, seems well-placed for a mediating role in Abkhazia. Nevertheless, for many years Turkey has passed up this opportunity to gain regional influence. All of the abstaining countries that spoke in this debate endorsed Georgia’s territorial integrity, and some of them paid lip service to the expellees’ right of return; but they fell short of even a symbolic vote for the resolution. Azerbaijan and Ukraine strongly supported the resolution. Azerbaijan implicitly drew a parallel between the ethnic cleansing from Abkhazia and from parts of Azerbaijan’s own territory. Deploring any acceptance of ethnic cleansing in the South Caucasus, it called for the refugees’ return to their homes as an indispensable basis for resolving the conflicts. For its part, Ukraine traced the conflict in Abkhazia to its roots in Soviet policies; “the Russian Federation continued that notorious tradition by inserting separatism into the GUAM region.”

                  Moldova, the other member of the GUAM group (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova) broke ranks in abstaining from the vote. The Moldovan president and government hope to earn Russia’s goodwill for a resolution of the Transnistria conflict sometime in 2008, ahead of Moldova’s elections. Moldova could have chosen to be absent from the vote (as did the U.S.-protected governments of Iraq and Afghanistan in deserting the United States on this vote), but chose to abstain in an explicit bow to Russia. Russia criticized the resolution for “destabilizing UN activities in settling the conflict” and “leading to a deterioration of Georgian-Abkhaz relations,” without explaining these assertions. It described the problem as one between Georgia and Abkhazia, not between Georgia and Russia, a claim that seeks to put an Abkhaz face on the Russian military’s 1994 ethnic cleansing operation in Abkhazia. And it made the refugees’ return conditional on a comprehensive political resolution of the conflict, even as Moscow stonewalls any resolution that would not put Russia in control.

                  Joining with Russia to excuse ethnic cleansing was an unusual constellation of countries: Armenia, Belarus, North Korea, India, Iran, Myanmar, Serbia, Sudan, Syria, and Venezuela. Some of these have themselves been involved in ethnic cleansing operations; some of them side habitually with Russia; and some of them qualify on both counts. From the last group, Armenia had campaigned against inclusion of the resolution on the General Assembly’s agenda. Like Russia, it clearly implied that the expellees’ return to their homes was contingent on a political resolution acceptable to both sides or, in other words, it should be left at the discretion of the cleansing side. Armenia had also tried unsuccessfully to block discussion on an Azerbaijani-drafted resolution on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which passed last year in the General Assembly.

                  Source: http://jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2373066
                  Մեր ժողովուրդն արանց հայրենասիրութեան այն է, ինչ որ մի մարմին' առանց հոգու:

                  Նժդեհ


                  Please visit me at my Heralding the Rise of Russia blog: http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/

                  Comment


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

                    Russia accused of annexing the Arctic for oil reserves by Canada



                    The battle for "ownership" of the polar oil reserves has accelerated with the disclosure that Russia has sent a fleet of nuclear-powered ice breakers into the Arctic. It has reinforced fears that Moscow intends to annex "unlawfully" a vast portion of the ice-covered Arctic, beneath which scientists believe up to 10 billion tons of gas and oil could be buried. Russian ambition for control of the Arctic has provoked Canada to double to $40 million (£20.5 million) funding for work to map the Arctic seabed in support its claim over the territory. The Russian ice breakers patrol huge areas of the frozen ocean for months on end, cutting through ice up to 8ft thick. There are thought to be eight in the region, dwarfing the British and American fleets, neither of which includes nuclear-powered ships.

                    Canada also plans to open an army training centre for cold-weather fighting at Resolute Bay and a deep-water port on the northern tip of Baffin Island, both of which are close to the disputed region. The country's defence ministry intends to build a special fleet of patrol boats to guard the North West Passage. The crisis has raised the spectre of Russia and the West joining in a new cold war over the Arctic unless the United Nations can resolve the dispute. Liam Fox, the shadow defence secretary, told Telegraph: "Four of the five Arctic powers are Nato members, yet Nato seems ill-configured to be able to respond to the sort of activities we have seen from the Russians. We need to ensure Nato has the will and the capability to deter Russian activity that contravenes international laws or treaties."

                    Jonathan Eyal, of the Royal United Services Institute, said the dispute could simmer for years. "The message from Vladimir Putin is that Russia will no longer be shackled to treaties signed by Yeltsin when he was half drunk or when Russia was on its knees," he said. "This dispute is not only about oil reserves which might or might not exist, it is about the control of sea lanes. Russia's movements could pitch it into a serious territorial dispute with the US for the first time." Tension in the Arctic is also being heightened by the revival of Russian Cold War-era manoeuvres. Hardly a week passes without Russian aircraft over-flying the North Pole, simulating strikes on "enemy" bases and shipping. The crisis erupted last year when a Russian submarine crew planted a flag on the Lomonosov Ridge, a 1,240-mile stretch of seabed that Moscow says is Russian. Derided at the time as a stunt, the move focused attention on the race for the Arctic's hidden treasures.

                    No country owns the Arctic Ocean or the North Pole, but under the 1982 UN Law of the Sea Convention, each country with a coast has exploitation rights in a limited "exclusive economic zone". On ratification of the convention – and America has yet to ratify it – each country has 10 years to make claims extending its zone. Russia rivals Saudi Arabia as the world's largest oil producer and is estimated to have the largest natural gas supplies. Energy earnings are funding a $189 billion (£97 billion) overhaul of its armed forces.

                    Source:
                    The battle for "ownership" of the polar oil reserves has accelerated with the disclosure that Russia has sent a fleet of nuclear-powered ice breakers into the Arctic.
                    Մեր ժողովուրդն արանց հայրենասիրութեան այն է, ինչ որ մի մարմին' առանց հոգու:

                    Նժդեհ


                    Please visit me at my Heralding the Rise of Russia blog: http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/

                    Comment


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

                      RUSSIA IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                      AND WE KICKED CANADA'S ASS!!!!!!!















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