Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations
Relations between Russia and the European Union have been going up and down for nearly three years. At first sight, they look fine, yet no progress has been made in drafting and signing practical agreements. Both parties live according to temporary rules, although we realize that such a state of affairs is detrimental. Is there a chance to alter improve the relations? It is a tricky question. The Caucasus war has stalled Russia-EU dialogue revived during a summit held in Khanty-Mansiisk, West Siberia, last June. The Baltic countries and Poland have serious doubts that dialogue can be resumed before the end of this year, especially since the EU has approved a coordinated stance on Abkhazia and South Ossetia and is insisting that Russia officially recognize Georgia’s territorial integrity. The EU cannot understand Russia’s current or future policy. This is why it is not keen to accept President Dmitry Medvedev’s proposal to start discussing a new European security system. Many in Europe fear that Russia’s goal is to destroy existing security institutes, notably the OSCE. Brussels does not need an open conflict with Russia, especially in conditions of a global economic crisis, which has upped energy security stakes. However, it may change its stance if a new gas war breaks out between Russia and Ukraine. Until recently, dialogue with France, Germany and Italy has been more important to Russia than its relations with the whole of the EU, for understandable reasons. But in future this scheme will not be as effective as it is now, given the continued consolidation and upcoming change in the EU power system. Russia is not ready for this change. A new partnership and cooperation agreement between Russia and the EU, which should provide the basis for their relations in the coming decade, should settle disputes and create a stable mechanism of political and economic cooperation, possibly including the creation of a free trade zone. The longer they delay drafting of the agreement, the less chance of the EU working normally. So, the only thing Russia and the EU can do now is to start working openly and informally on key aspects of the future agreement, so as to create at least the foundation for their future cooperation. It is essential; it is in line with the two parties’ interests. The outcome of the U.S. presidential election is bound to have effect on the European policy. Presumably, it is going to be a negative impact. At the end of the day, it is Trans-Atlantic solidarity, not relations with Russia that has always been the EU’s priority.
Source: http://www.kommersant.com/p1040386/E...rstand_Russia/
In other news:
Russian strategic bombers have successfully completed a series of large-scale, week-long exercises, the Long-Range Aviation commander said on Tuesday. The drills, part of the Stability 2008 strategic command and staff exercises, were conducted on October 6 through 12 under the command Col. Gen. Alexander Zelin, Air Force commander, involving over 30 warplanes. "A total of 40 sorties have been flown with an aggregate of 300 flying hours clocked," Maj. Gen. Pavel Androsov said. The Stability-2008 maneuvers are being conducted in various parts of Russia and Belarus with the goal of practicing strategic deployment of the Armed Forces, including the nuclear triad, to counter potential threats near Russia's borders. They started on September 22 and will last until October 21. Russian strategic bombers, Tu-160 Blackjacks and Tu-95MS Bear-Hs, have flown with full combat payloads and launched all of their standard-issue cruise missiles for the first time in over two decades. Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft can carry six and 12 Kh-55 (AS-15 Kent) long-range cruise missiles, respectively. The Air Force has said the scope of the exercise is unprecedented, involving the Tu-22M3 Backfire strategic bombers, air superiority fighters, interceptors and aerial tankers. According to various sources, in addition to 16 Tu-160 bombers the Russian Air Force currently has 40 Tu-95MS bombers and 141 Tu-22M3 bombers in service.
Source: http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081014/117727246.html
Unpredictable Russia
Relations between Russia and the European Union have been going up and down for nearly three years. At first sight, they look fine, yet no progress has been made in drafting and signing practical agreements. Both parties live according to temporary rules, although we realize that such a state of affairs is detrimental. Is there a chance to alter improve the relations? It is a tricky question. The Caucasus war has stalled Russia-EU dialogue revived during a summit held in Khanty-Mansiisk, West Siberia, last June. The Baltic countries and Poland have serious doubts that dialogue can be resumed before the end of this year, especially since the EU has approved a coordinated stance on Abkhazia and South Ossetia and is insisting that Russia officially recognize Georgia’s territorial integrity. The EU cannot understand Russia’s current or future policy. This is why it is not keen to accept President Dmitry Medvedev’s proposal to start discussing a new European security system. Many in Europe fear that Russia’s goal is to destroy existing security institutes, notably the OSCE. Brussels does not need an open conflict with Russia, especially in conditions of a global economic crisis, which has upped energy security stakes. However, it may change its stance if a new gas war breaks out between Russia and Ukraine. Until recently, dialogue with France, Germany and Italy has been more important to Russia than its relations with the whole of the EU, for understandable reasons. But in future this scheme will not be as effective as it is now, given the continued consolidation and upcoming change in the EU power system. Russia is not ready for this change. A new partnership and cooperation agreement between Russia and the EU, which should provide the basis for their relations in the coming decade, should settle disputes and create a stable mechanism of political and economic cooperation, possibly including the creation of a free trade zone. The longer they delay drafting of the agreement, the less chance of the EU working normally. So, the only thing Russia and the EU can do now is to start working openly and informally on key aspects of the future agreement, so as to create at least the foundation for their future cooperation. It is essential; it is in line with the two parties’ interests. The outcome of the U.S. presidential election is bound to have effect on the European policy. Presumably, it is going to be a negative impact. At the end of the day, it is Trans-Atlantic solidarity, not relations with Russia that has always been the EU’s priority.
Source: http://www.kommersant.com/p1040386/E...rstand_Russia/
In other news:
Russian strategic bombers complete week-long drills
Russian strategic bombers have successfully completed a series of large-scale, week-long exercises, the Long-Range Aviation commander said on Tuesday. The drills, part of the Stability 2008 strategic command and staff exercises, were conducted on October 6 through 12 under the command Col. Gen. Alexander Zelin, Air Force commander, involving over 30 warplanes. "A total of 40 sorties have been flown with an aggregate of 300 flying hours clocked," Maj. Gen. Pavel Androsov said. The Stability-2008 maneuvers are being conducted in various parts of Russia and Belarus with the goal of practicing strategic deployment of the Armed Forces, including the nuclear triad, to counter potential threats near Russia's borders. They started on September 22 and will last until October 21. Russian strategic bombers, Tu-160 Blackjacks and Tu-95MS Bear-Hs, have flown with full combat payloads and launched all of their standard-issue cruise missiles for the first time in over two decades. Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft can carry six and 12 Kh-55 (AS-15 Kent) long-range cruise missiles, respectively. The Air Force has said the scope of the exercise is unprecedented, involving the Tu-22M3 Backfire strategic bombers, air superiority fighters, interceptors and aerial tankers. According to various sources, in addition to 16 Tu-160 bombers the Russian Air Force currently has 40 Tu-95MS bombers and 141 Tu-22M3 bombers in service.
Source: http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081014/117727246.html
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