The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations

[jgk3]

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

To me this situation seems reminiscent of how the Anglo-American elite tried to crack the Soviet Union through the arms race, forcing the Soviets into economic collapse as a price for keeping up with the west militarily (and technologically) as a priority.

Am I wrong to suspect that the present global economic situation in its ever worsening state, a phenomenon that is in many ways influenced deliberately the American economic policies, is being coupled rather lucidly with the missle defense shield encircling Russia, so that when the time is ripe, Russia too may crack economically and open it up for outright invasion?

I understand that Putin knows oil is perhaps the only way out (and that Ukraine is deliberately being played off against him to try seting him back, though Sud and Nord stream projects, along with cooperation by key nations in the EU could effectively overcome this). What I wonder is, are oil prices being deliberately controlled against Russian interests in order to minimize this trump card of theirs in being able to finance the modernization of their army through strategically sound and effective increments of time?

[ZORAVAR]

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

jgk3,

I am not an economics expert but I can always go back to basic and ask you this question?

Would you start a fire in your appartment in order to burn your neighbour's?
In other words, would the Anglo-American elite ruin their own economies just to bring Russia to its knees?

[KarotheGreat]

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

@Zorovar thanks for posting all of this awesome news and you should post more
Russian Duma Ratifies Pact to Defend Allies

Published: Monday February 16, 2009

MOSCOW(MOSCOW TIMES)--The Russian State Duma ratified on Friday an accord that would oblige Russia to provide troops and technical assistance to former Soviet states belonging to the Collective Security Treaty Organization that face outside aggression.

The document, which had been pending in the Duma since 2007, says the security council of the Moscow-led CSTO would have to decide whether to provide military support to a country that applies for assistance.

The news comes as CSTO members are working on a plan to build joint military ventures. Russia and Armenia agreed on Friday to build a collective air defense system to link up to one that Russia agreed to set up with Belarus earlier this month.

The CSTO, founded in 2002, comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

[KarotheGreat]

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

RUSSIA, ARMENIA TO CREATE JOINT AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM

Russia and Armenia are planning creation of joint air defense system, CSTO Secretary General said. “Possibility of creation of exchangeable air defense system in Central Asia is also under consideration,” Nikolay Bordyuzha told a news conference in Moscow. “This is the initial stage of creation of three anti-aircraft systems in Eastern European dimension, Caucasus and Central Asia. Then we will proceed to coordination of all three regional systems and development of information exchange scheme. It’s a part of work we carry out in the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization,” he said, RBC reports. The CSTO includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

[jgk3]

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

jgk3,

I am not an economics expert but I can always go back to basic and ask you this question?

Would you start a fire in your appartment in order to burn your neighbour's?
In other words, would the Anglo-American elite ruin their own economies just to bring Russia to its knees?

Considering that the elite I am talking about works in a supra-national level, representing neo-liberal mercantilism, a military-industrial complex which dominates the western world in its totality, I would not be so hesitant to assume they would create fires within their own "nations", as they already did so during the depressions of the early part of the 20th century, the Great Depression being a great example of this. These periods in history represent not a loss in wealth amongst the elite, but actually a seizure of wealth from their rivals and from the middle classes.

In my opinion, there is great evidence to indicate that the Obama administration does not represent a solution for the ongoing misery of the American workforce, but rather, an exaggeration of it in the near future. Their policy of refusing to abandon Keynesian economic policies of intervention by the state does not give the market a chance to correct itself through supply and demand, but instead, forces it to abide by a state imposed model which sets its own production goals and seeks to herd the population to abide to it, limiting their purchasing powers both financially and in terms of what is available in the market, and thus, lowering the economic choices available to the individual. This is associated with a reduction in one's standard of living.

This phenomenon is coupled with the pursuit of an aggressive foreign policy by the US in seeking to undermine Russia and China by any means necessary to ensure the seat of economic and military power being in the US in the 21st century. They will not hesitate in "causing a fire in their own apartment" if it means ensuring that they could live in a palace for another century as a result of their malicious sacrifice. In my opinion, I think the ramifications of this self-inflictive policy on America's financial security and stability is actually one of their greatest weapons against Russia, who's economy is not diversified enough in its infrastructure to general real economic growth, offering security for its population. It simply depends on the export of raw natural resources as a basis for cash flow into the state budget, and the state uses this primarily for security. It is arguable that this is the optimal choice, this decision by the state is sensible when one understands the intent by the west to deprive Russia of its autonomy however, criticism arises from those who point Russia's failures in providing economic stability for its actual population. Right now, the question is whether Putin can wing it solely through taking advantage of Russia's export advantage in natural resources, particularily oil, in providing national security long enough to survive the economic downturn. It is the next 10 or so years which will determine how everything Putin has done so far in ensuring the security of Russia will succeed against the malice of the West's elite. His policy will have to adapt itself to a nightmarish economic scourge on the Earth that has not been seen since the Great Depression, which is likely to adversely effect his nation the same, at the least, as the US which "burned its own apartment down".

I too am no expert in economics. I am simply putting pieces together between the articles I have read and what some members here seem to suggest about the geopolitical state of the world.

[Muhaha]

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

Why wouldn't the U.S start a fire in it's own basement? The United States as a nation will never break apart because of economic trouble. If a Great Depression 2 hits us, all it means is that we'll change the economic system, maybe vote in more people like Ron Paul, and sooner or later, the United States will be back on it's feet again.

Russia on the other hand, can easily be divided into 4 or 5 smaller Russian nations because of economic trouble. They don't have the social resources to simply reboot, people are mad at the government for not being democratic enough but weren't doing anything because they were happy with the financial gains Russia was making and they welcomed the stability. If that goes away, what reason do Russian Federation citizens have for not starting a Revolution?

BTW, lets all hope Russia's situation never gets that dire because as much as I don't like them, they're still mandatory in the near future for the existence of Armenia.

[ZORAVAR]

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

Russia unveils its first LNG plant in Sakhalin-2

PRIGORODNY (Sakhalin), February 18 (RIA Novosti) - Russia unveiled its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Sakhalin on Wednesday opening up new energy markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

The plant is designed to liquefy gas produced as part of the $20 billion Sakhalin-II oil and gas project off Russia's Pacific Coast. Some 9.6 million metric tons of LNG will be produced annually.

Companies from Japan, the United States and South Korea have already signed contracts with Russia to buy the bulk of the gas within the next 25 years. Japan, the world's largest LNG market, will buy about 65% of Sakhalin liquefied gas.

The ceremony was attended by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, British Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, Dutch Economics Minister Maria van der Hoeven and other guests from partner countries in the project.

"I am positive, the new plant will change our gas export opportunities," Medvedev said at the ceremony adding the project would also improve international energy cooperation.

Project operator Sakhalin Energy's CEO Ian Craig said: "Sakhalin has now firmly established its position on the global energy map. When the Sakhalin-II project is fully on stream, it will supply around 5% of the world's LNG and make a significant contribution to strengthening global energy security."

Craig said LNG exports would begin in March with the first shipments to go to Japan.

Aso said the project would allow Japan to diversify its imports. The energy-poor country imports almost all its oil from the Middle East.

"Sakhalin-II will account for 7.2% of Japan's LNG imports. Energy resources in such close proximity to Japan are a long-held dream," the premier said, adding the project would also help Tokyo build a "strategic relationship with Russia" in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Sakhalin II project includes the Piltun-Astokhskoye and Lunskoye oil and gas fields on Sakhalin Island's northeastern shelf, with recoverable reserves estimated at 150 million tons (1.1 billion bbl) of oil and 500 billion cubic meters of natural gas.

Tankers with a capacity of 18,000 to 145,000 cubic meters will be used to deliver LNG from the plant.

The minority partners in the project, Royal Dutch Shell, Mitsui and Mitsubishi, currently hold 27.5%, 12.5% and 10% stakes in the project respectively. Gazprom acquired a controlling stake (50% plus one share) in the project in December 2006.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090218/120196973.html

[ZORAVAR]

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

Liquid gas provides alternative to pipeline

Watch video: http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/37476/video


Russia is about to start exporting its gas to where pipelines cannot reach. The first liquefied natural gas plant has opened in the country's Far East.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso have taken part in the opening ceremony on the island of Sakhalin. The plant’s product will, initially, go to Japan, South Korea and the United States.

It will also offer an alternative method of getting some extra gas to Europe in the event of another transit crisis, such as the one in January.

Looking for new options

Last month, as Moscow and Kiev argued over gas prices, the EU saw its supplies from Russia severely disrupted.

Moscow accused Kiev of siphoning off gas destined for Russia’s European clients and questioned Ukraine’s credibility as a transit route to the EU.

"The January events in Ukraine proved that dependence on transit countries is very harmful politically, economically and financially," said Igor Tomberg, Chief Researcher at Energy Studies Centre.

Moscow is looking for other transit options to Europe. The alternatives are two new pipelines Russia is building to bypass Ukraine. The South Stream would go under the Black Sea and the Nord Stream would run under the Baltic Sea.

But as Europe has often spoken of reducing its energy dependence on Russia, Moscow is also looking for new clients and new ways of sending them gas. So far it’s only been pipelines. However, now tankers are coming into play as Russia is launching its first plant to liquefy natural gas.

Said Igor Tomerg: "Pipelines bind the exporter to the supplier, leaving you no flexibility. We are a great gas power and using nothing but pipelines is no good."

First step

The plant’s opening marks the culmination of Sakhalin-2, one of the world's biggest oil and gas developments led by Russia’s energy giant Gazprom.

The plant was built on Russia’s Sakhalin Island. It will receive natural gas from offshore fields via a pipeline. The gas will then be converted to liquid for ease of storage and transport. The reduction in volume makes it more cost-effective to carry over long distances where pipelines don't exist.

Every year the plant is set to produce enough liquefied natural gas or LNG, to supply the entire three-year need of a country like Bulgaria - one of the worst hit in the recent Russian-Ukrainian gas dispute.

Under contracts up to 20 years, Russia’s LNG will go to Japan, South Korea and the US, seeing Russia take off as an important energy player in the Pacific.

"It would be hard to build pipelines to Japan or the US but LNG will open up a very promising market to us. Gas consumption there is only set to grow," said Sergey Pravodudov, Director of the National Energy Institute.

Moscow is keen to prove its reliability as an energy supplier and to diversify its exports. The new LNG project is set to do just that.

With the launch of its first LNG plant, Russia is breaking into a new market and can finally begin, experts say, to fully develop its potential as a major energy power.

http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/37476

[ZORAVAR]

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

Europe to remain Gazprom's main market in mid term

YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK, February 18 (RIA Novosti) - Gazprom is continuing to regard Europe as its main natural gas market in the mid term, the CEO of the Russian energy giant said on Wednesday.

"In the mid term, we continue to regard Europe as the most important market despite the European Commission's plans to develop alternative energy," Alexei Miller said.

Miller said Gazprom expected gas consumption to continue growing in the European Union and to hit 600 billion cubic meters by 2020. "Due to cuts in production in Europe, the share of Russian gas on the market will increase from the current 26% to 33-35% by 2020," he said.

Miller confirmed new expected pipelines, designed to increase gas flows to Europe and reduce dependence on East European transit countries, would be completed on time.

He said the $12 billion Nord Stream pipeline, to bring gas from Siberia to Europe under the Baltic Sea, would come on stream in 2011 despite environmental concerns raised by some littoral states.

The project operator, Nord Stream AG, said earlier this month it planned to unveil a final environmental report to the Baltic Sea states in early March. Gazprom is building the pipeline jointly with Germany's E.ON and BASF, and Dutch gas transportation firm Gasunie.

Miller said South Stream, another pipeline bringing gas to the Balkans and on to other European countries, would be built on time. He said agreements with Serbia, Bulgaria and Hungary had been signed and entered force, and a feasibility study was being carried out.

Supplies through the South Stream pipeline, estimated at least $20 billion are scheduled to start by 2013.

"We will therefore be able to meet the region's growing demand for gas in full," Miller said.

Miller said ex-Soviet states were the second most important market for the company, including Central Asian republics where it buys gas.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090218/120201593.html

[ZORAVAR]

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

Russia's Reserve Fund enough to balance budget for years - Putin

MOSCOW, February 17 (RIA Novosti) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Tuesday at an economic conference that the country's Reserve Fund will be sufficient to balance this year's and future budgets.

The Reserve Fund was designed to cushion the federal budget against a fall in oil prices. Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin has said there would be extensive use of reserve funds to cover the 2009 budget deficit, which he said could total at least 6% of GDP.

"The deficit will be covered from our own resources: activities on the domestic loan market and the Reserve Fund, which currently stands at 4.8 trillion rubles [$132.6 billion]. These funds will be enough to balance the budget in this and subsequent years," Putin said.

According to the parameters of the federal budget for 2009 approved last year, expenditures were to total 9.024 trillion rubles ($248.4 billion at current exchange rates) and revenues slightly over 10 trillion rubles ($275.3 billion). These figures will be adjusted.

Putin also said the government would include the cost of implementing its anti-crisis program in the revised budget.

He said that although budget revenues would be cut, the government would not refrain from implementing key social and investment programs.

"In addition, new expenses will be fixed in the budget as part of anti-crisis measures," he said.

http://en.rian.ru/business/20090217/120191393.html