Re: The Rise of the Russian Empire: Russo-Armenian Relations
The specter of western crimes against the Serbian nation in Kosovo came back today to haunt the West. Today we witnessed a historic moment when Russian president Dimitry Medevedev signed decrees that in effect officially recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as tensions continued to mount between Washington and Moscow. We may be heading towards a major confrontation between Russia and the West. No sane person wants a war. However, there are powerful demons within western governments today that are steering the global community towards a major crisis. The evidence of this agenda have been and continues to be numerous, as it is obvious: NATO's aggressive push eastward despite strong Russian objections; Missile defense shield being setup around the periphery of Russian Federation despite strong Russian objections; the Bush administration's annulment of the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty despite strong Russian objections; Western support for anti-Russian Islamic insurgency within the Caucasus and Central Asia despite strong Russian objections; Western support for revolutions within former Soviet republics despite strong Russian objections; the egregious crimes against the Serbian nation despite strong Russian objections; the illegal invasion of Iraq by the West despite strong Russian objections; the threatening of Iran and Syria by the West despite strong Russian objections... The list is quite long. The West has been embarked on a serious agenda to isolate and undermine the Russian Federation. Needless to say, sooner-or-later, Moscow had to react to this hostility. The Russian Federation was provided with a legitimate excuse to do so on August 8th, 2008 when utter fools in Tbilisi feeling empowered by the West provided Moscow with the historic opportunity to reshape regional geopolitics. As the world watched in awe, Georgia's NATO and EU aspirations were effectively crushed under the sheer weight of Russian tanks. The message was unmistakably clear: The Russian Bear has reawaken and is on the prowl. However, the question still remains: Why did the West choose confrontation with Russia instead of embracing it when it had a genuine chance to do so after the Soviet collapse? The answer seems to be Russia's great potential due to its vast natural resources and potent military; coupled with the West's economic decline, political impotence and its almost instinctual fear of Russia. Thus, it was only inevitable that despite Russia's major transfiguration in 1991 the West's political and financial establishment would continue viewing it as a hostile nation and would resort to many measures to undermine the fledgling state. Nevertheless, with the reemergence of a truly independent state apparatus under Putin's capable rule, the Russian nation was finally able to bury the shameful legacy of the 1990s. Today, the West's global hegemony has finally been checked. With its vast natural wealth and a highly capable nuclear armed military, I personally believe that the Russian Federation is the only political entity on earth today that can effectively stop demons in the West from realizing their global agenda of enslavement, exploitation and the spreading of a new form of communism, globalization. Russia, perhaps the last bastion of Christendom, has been and continues to be a natural bulwork against western imperialism, pan-Turkism and Islamic fundamentalism. I don't wish to see another war in Russia for it has seen far too much war in its history. However, the sad reality is that Russians will sooner-or-later face another major war in defense of their much coveted land, periodic bloodshed in defense of their homeland seems to be their national curse. I simply want the Russian people to prevail and I am confidant that they will. I am also confidant that the Armenian nation will firmly stand by its great ally to the north in this time of need. I have been looking forward to the full reawakening of the Russian Bear for some years now, thank God, the momentous time has finally arrived.
Armenian
*******************************
Medvedev backs independence for Abkhazia and South Ossetia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2GOce2295U
Defying the US and Europe, Russian president Dmitry Medvedev announced that he has signed a decree recognising the independence of the breakaway Georgian territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Few other nations are likely to follow Russia's lead but the move is sure to further escalate tensions between Moscow and the West. "This is not an easy choice but this is the only chance to save people's lives," Medvedev said in a televised address a day after Russia's Kremlin-controlled parliament voted unanimously to support the diplomatic recognition. Medvedev's declaration came as Russian forces remain in Georgia after a war, staking out positions beyond the de-facto borders of the separatist regions. Abkhazia and South Ossetia have effectively ruled themselves following wars with Georgia in the 1990s. Russia's military presence seems likely to further weaken Georgia, a Western ally in the Caucasus region, a major transit corridor for energy supplies to Europe and a strategic crossroads close to the Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia and energy-rich Central Asia. Russian tanks and troops drove deep into the US ally's territory in a five-day war this month that Moscow saw as a justified response to a military threat in its backyard and the West viewed as a repeat of Soviet-style intervention in its neighbouring states. Medvedev said Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili had forced Russia's hand by launching an August 7 attack to seize control of South Ossetia by force. "Saakashvili chose genocide to fulfil his political plans," Medvedev said. "Georgia chose the least human way to achieve its goal"
Source: http://ukpress.google.com/article/AL...yotDvcnZgS39Dg
TO GEORGIAN fury, Western consternation and strong support at home, Russia’s government recognised two breakaway regions of Georgia as independent countries on Tuesday August 26th. The map of Europe is different, and darker, as a result. The planned dispatch of Russian diplomats to open embassies in Sukhumi and Tskhinvali, the main cities in Abkhazia and South Ossetia respectively, marks the formal dismemberment of Georgia: until very recently, Russia had at least in theory accepted its neighbour’s territorial integrity. As long as Russia kept up its recognition of Georgian territorial integrity, it could claim that its soldiers in both places were peacekeepers operating under international mandates. Cynics, such as Georgia's president, Mikheil Saakashvili, had long joked that the Russian forces should be called “piece-keepers”, whose real role was to maintain the Kremlin's influence in the former empire. Russia says that its forces are protecting the Abkhaz and Ossetians from Georgian attack. Diplomatic historians may find that the two new countries will not make for enduring study. The next act in the drama may well be that both new countries ask to become part of the Russian Federation. That underlines Russia’s dramatic military victory against Georgia in this month’s war, giving it a permanent presence south of the Caucasus mountains, close to the vital oil and gas pipelines that bring energy from the Caspian region and Central Asia to Turkey and beyond. Russia likes to draw parallels with Kosovo—a state carved out of Serbia as a result of Western military intervention. But the parallel is superficial. Few embassies will open in South Ossetia. Close Russian allies such as Belarus and Tajikistan will be keen to put on a show of support. Others may be more chary of recognising Russian puppet states as independent countries. Moldova and Azerbaijan, for example, have headaches with similar entities, Transdniestria and Nagorno-Karabakh. Like South Ossetia and Abkhazia, they are the result of ethnic flare-ups in the dying days of the Soviet Union.
Source: http://www.economist.com/world/europ...ry_id=11998649
Russia's flagship cruiser has re-entered the Black Sea for weapons tests hours after the Russian military complained about the presence of US and other Nato naval ships near the Georgian coast. The 'Moskva' had led a battle group of Russian naval vessels stationed off the coastline of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia during Russia's recent conflict with Georgia and sank smaller Georgian craft. The assistant to the Russian Navy's commander-in-chief told Russian news agencies the cruiser had put to sea again two days after returning to its base at the Ukrainian port of Sevastopol. "'Moskva' has today departed toward the Black Sea Fleet's naval training range to check its radio-controlled weapons and onboard communications systems," Captain Igor Dygalo was quoted as saying by Interfax. The Russian navy's press office was unable to confirm his comments when contacted by Reuters. The presence of so many ships from Nato countries earlier drew the ire of a Russian military spokesman during a daily media briefing on the conflict. "The fact that there are nine Western warships in the Black Sea cannot but be a cause for concern. They include two US warships, one each from Spain and Poland, and four from Turkey," Anatoly Nogovitsyn, the deputy chief of the Russian military's General Staff said. On Sunday, the US guided missile destroyer USS McFaul arrived with aid including camp beds, bedding, tents and mobile kitchen units, the US Defence Department spokesman Bryan. Whitman said. Separately, the US Coast Guard cutter Dallas has been dispatched with aid, while a third vessel, the Navy command ship USS Mount Whitney, is being loaded in Italy with humanitarian supplies for Georgia, he said. The Nato ships in the Black Sea are carrying more than 100 'Tomahawk' cruise missiles, with more than 50 onboard the USS McFaul alone that could hit ground targets, reported RIA news agency, quoting unnamed sources in Russian military intelligence.
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4668809a12.html
The Russian Navy chief, Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky announced Sunday, Aug. 24, that its warships in the Mediterranean region have been placed under the command of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. At the same time, the American aircraft carrier, the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group heading a six-vessel contingent set sail this week for the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf, with 6,000 sailors and marines aboard. Then on Monday, the Russian general staff took the further step of announcing regular searches of all cargoes transiting the Georgian port of Poti. DEBKAfile’s military sources report extreme concern in Israel’s military and navy. Washington and Jerusalem both regard the link-up of Russian naval operations in the two waters a further aggressive Russian step in the Cold War spreading out of Georgia to the Black Sea, the Ukraine, and other parts of the Caucasian region. Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet headquarters at the Ukrainian port of Sevastopol will henceforth be in command of the flotilla to be deployed at the Syrian port of Tartus. The Black Sea’s flagship, the Moskva missile cruiser, was accordingly detached Saturday, Aug. 23, from the Russian naval contingent heading for Syria and recalled to Sevastopol. Henceforth, the Moska will act as joint flagship for the Black Sea and Mediterranean fleets, linking to two under a single command. Moscow’s announcement Monday that Russian forces would search cargoes transiting Poti underscored its determination to retain its grip on the strategic Black Sea port. At the opposite end of the new Russian maritime chain, US and Israeli satellites have recently observed large dredgers operating at the Syrian port of Tartus. They are believed to be preparing the small Mediterranean port to serve as permanent base for large Russian naval vessels, such as the Admiral Kuznetsov – right opposite the US Sixth Fleet and in close proximity to Israeli waters and shores. Boosting the US naval buildup in the region, Tuesday, Aug. 26, the USS Iwo Jima leaves Norfolk for the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf at the head of a large group which includes the USS San Antonio amphibious transport dock ship.
Source: http://www.debka.com/index1.php
The Georgian conflict over South Ossetia is spiraling into a contest between the US and Russia over control of the Black Sea region and the eastern Mediterranean. The US Vice President xxxx Cheney will stop over in Georgia, the Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Italy during a trip starting Sept. 2. President Bush “felt it was important to have the vice president consult with allies in the region on our common security interests,” said the White House spokesman Monday, Aug. 25. These steps were Washington’s response to a rapid volley of decisions in Moscow: one was taken by the Russian Navy chief, Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky - as disclosed earlier by DEBKAfile - to place its warships bound for Syria’s Mediterranean port of Tartus under the command of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol. At the same time, the American aircraft carrier, the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, heading a six-vessel contingent, sets sail Tuesday for the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf, with 6,000 sailors and marines aboard. Also on Monday, the Russian general staff took the further step of announcing regular searches of all cargoes transiting the Georgian port of Poti, tightening its grip on the Black Sea shore. In Sochi, Russian president Dimitry Medvedev said he was considering halting Moscow’s ties with NATO. The Russian upper house unanimously urged him to recognize the two breakaway Georgian provinces as independent republics. This step would defy international recognition of the status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as breakaway provinces of Georgia for the first time.
Source: http://www.debka.com/index1.php
The specter of western crimes against the Serbian nation in Kosovo came back today to haunt the West. Today we witnessed a historic moment when Russian president Dimitry Medevedev signed decrees that in effect officially recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as tensions continued to mount between Washington and Moscow. We may be heading towards a major confrontation between Russia and the West. No sane person wants a war. However, there are powerful demons within western governments today that are steering the global community towards a major crisis. The evidence of this agenda have been and continues to be numerous, as it is obvious: NATO's aggressive push eastward despite strong Russian objections; Missile defense shield being setup around the periphery of Russian Federation despite strong Russian objections; the Bush administration's annulment of the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty despite strong Russian objections; Western support for anti-Russian Islamic insurgency within the Caucasus and Central Asia despite strong Russian objections; Western support for revolutions within former Soviet republics despite strong Russian objections; the egregious crimes against the Serbian nation despite strong Russian objections; the illegal invasion of Iraq by the West despite strong Russian objections; the threatening of Iran and Syria by the West despite strong Russian objections... The list is quite long. The West has been embarked on a serious agenda to isolate and undermine the Russian Federation. Needless to say, sooner-or-later, Moscow had to react to this hostility. The Russian Federation was provided with a legitimate excuse to do so on August 8th, 2008 when utter fools in Tbilisi feeling empowered by the West provided Moscow with the historic opportunity to reshape regional geopolitics. As the world watched in awe, Georgia's NATO and EU aspirations were effectively crushed under the sheer weight of Russian tanks. The message was unmistakably clear: The Russian Bear has reawaken and is on the prowl. However, the question still remains: Why did the West choose confrontation with Russia instead of embracing it when it had a genuine chance to do so after the Soviet collapse? The answer seems to be Russia's great potential due to its vast natural resources and potent military; coupled with the West's economic decline, political impotence and its almost instinctual fear of Russia. Thus, it was only inevitable that despite Russia's major transfiguration in 1991 the West's political and financial establishment would continue viewing it as a hostile nation and would resort to many measures to undermine the fledgling state. Nevertheless, with the reemergence of a truly independent state apparatus under Putin's capable rule, the Russian nation was finally able to bury the shameful legacy of the 1990s. Today, the West's global hegemony has finally been checked. With its vast natural wealth and a highly capable nuclear armed military, I personally believe that the Russian Federation is the only political entity on earth today that can effectively stop demons in the West from realizing their global agenda of enslavement, exploitation and the spreading of a new form of communism, globalization. Russia, perhaps the last bastion of Christendom, has been and continues to be a natural bulwork against western imperialism, pan-Turkism and Islamic fundamentalism. I don't wish to see another war in Russia for it has seen far too much war in its history. However, the sad reality is that Russians will sooner-or-later face another major war in defense of their much coveted land, periodic bloodshed in defense of their homeland seems to be their national curse. I simply want the Russian people to prevail and I am confidant that they will. I am also confidant that the Armenian nation will firmly stand by its great ally to the north in this time of need. I have been looking forward to the full reawakening of the Russian Bear for some years now, thank God, the momentous time has finally arrived.
Armenian
*******************************
Russia recognises Georgian regions
Medvedev backs independence for Abkhazia and South Ossetia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2GOce2295U
Defying the US and Europe, Russian president Dmitry Medvedev announced that he has signed a decree recognising the independence of the breakaway Georgian territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Few other nations are likely to follow Russia's lead but the move is sure to further escalate tensions between Moscow and the West. "This is not an easy choice but this is the only chance to save people's lives," Medvedev said in a televised address a day after Russia's Kremlin-controlled parliament voted unanimously to support the diplomatic recognition. Medvedev's declaration came as Russian forces remain in Georgia after a war, staking out positions beyond the de-facto borders of the separatist regions. Abkhazia and South Ossetia have effectively ruled themselves following wars with Georgia in the 1990s. Russia's military presence seems likely to further weaken Georgia, a Western ally in the Caucasus region, a major transit corridor for energy supplies to Europe and a strategic crossroads close to the Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, Russia and energy-rich Central Asia. Russian tanks and troops drove deep into the US ally's territory in a five-day war this month that Moscow saw as a justified response to a military threat in its backyard and the West viewed as a repeat of Soviet-style intervention in its neighbouring states. Medvedev said Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili had forced Russia's hand by launching an August 7 attack to seize control of South Ossetia by force. "Saakashvili chose genocide to fulfil his political plans," Medvedev said. "Georgia chose the least human way to achieve its goal"
Source: http://ukpress.google.com/article/AL...yotDvcnZgS39Dg
Confrontational Russia
TO GEORGIAN fury, Western consternation and strong support at home, Russia’s government recognised two breakaway regions of Georgia as independent countries on Tuesday August 26th. The map of Europe is different, and darker, as a result. The planned dispatch of Russian diplomats to open embassies in Sukhumi and Tskhinvali, the main cities in Abkhazia and South Ossetia respectively, marks the formal dismemberment of Georgia: until very recently, Russia had at least in theory accepted its neighbour’s territorial integrity. As long as Russia kept up its recognition of Georgian territorial integrity, it could claim that its soldiers in both places were peacekeepers operating under international mandates. Cynics, such as Georgia's president, Mikheil Saakashvili, had long joked that the Russian forces should be called “piece-keepers”, whose real role was to maintain the Kremlin's influence in the former empire. Russia says that its forces are protecting the Abkhaz and Ossetians from Georgian attack. Diplomatic historians may find that the two new countries will not make for enduring study. The next act in the drama may well be that both new countries ask to become part of the Russian Federation. That underlines Russia’s dramatic military victory against Georgia in this month’s war, giving it a permanent presence south of the Caucasus mountains, close to the vital oil and gas pipelines that bring energy from the Caspian region and Central Asia to Turkey and beyond. Russia likes to draw parallels with Kosovo—a state carved out of Serbia as a result of Western military intervention. But the parallel is superficial. Few embassies will open in South Ossetia. Close Russian allies such as Belarus and Tajikistan will be keen to put on a show of support. Others may be more chary of recognising Russian puppet states as independent countries. Moldova and Azerbaijan, for example, have headaches with similar entities, Transdniestria and Nagorno-Karabakh. Like South Ossetia and Abkhazia, they are the result of ethnic flare-ups in the dying days of the Soviet Union.
Source: http://www.economist.com/world/europ...ry_id=11998649
Russia cruiser to test weapons in crowded Black Sea
Russia's flagship cruiser has re-entered the Black Sea for weapons tests hours after the Russian military complained about the presence of US and other Nato naval ships near the Georgian coast. The 'Moskva' had led a battle group of Russian naval vessels stationed off the coastline of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia during Russia's recent conflict with Georgia and sank smaller Georgian craft. The assistant to the Russian Navy's commander-in-chief told Russian news agencies the cruiser had put to sea again two days after returning to its base at the Ukrainian port of Sevastopol. "'Moskva' has today departed toward the Black Sea Fleet's naval training range to check its radio-controlled weapons and onboard communications systems," Captain Igor Dygalo was quoted as saying by Interfax. The Russian navy's press office was unable to confirm his comments when contacted by Reuters. The presence of so many ships from Nato countries earlier drew the ire of a Russian military spokesman during a daily media briefing on the conflict. "The fact that there are nine Western warships in the Black Sea cannot but be a cause for concern. They include two US warships, one each from Spain and Poland, and four from Turkey," Anatoly Nogovitsyn, the deputy chief of the Russian military's General Staff said. On Sunday, the US guided missile destroyer USS McFaul arrived with aid including camp beds, bedding, tents and mobile kitchen units, the US Defence Department spokesman Bryan. Whitman said. Separately, the US Coast Guard cutter Dallas has been dispatched with aid, while a third vessel, the Navy command ship USS Mount Whitney, is being loaded in Italy with humanitarian supplies for Georgia, he said. The Nato ships in the Black Sea are carrying more than 100 'Tomahawk' cruise missiles, with more than 50 onboard the USS McFaul alone that could hit ground targets, reported RIA news agency, quoting unnamed sources in Russian military intelligence.
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4668809a12.html
Russian Mediterranean warships placed under Black Sea Fleet command
The Russian Navy chief, Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky announced Sunday, Aug. 24, that its warships in the Mediterranean region have been placed under the command of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. At the same time, the American aircraft carrier, the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group heading a six-vessel contingent set sail this week for the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf, with 6,000 sailors and marines aboard. Then on Monday, the Russian general staff took the further step of announcing regular searches of all cargoes transiting the Georgian port of Poti. DEBKAfile’s military sources report extreme concern in Israel’s military and navy. Washington and Jerusalem both regard the link-up of Russian naval operations in the two waters a further aggressive Russian step in the Cold War spreading out of Georgia to the Black Sea, the Ukraine, and other parts of the Caucasian region. Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet headquarters at the Ukrainian port of Sevastopol will henceforth be in command of the flotilla to be deployed at the Syrian port of Tartus. The Black Sea’s flagship, the Moskva missile cruiser, was accordingly detached Saturday, Aug. 23, from the Russian naval contingent heading for Syria and recalled to Sevastopol. Henceforth, the Moska will act as joint flagship for the Black Sea and Mediterranean fleets, linking to two under a single command. Moscow’s announcement Monday that Russian forces would search cargoes transiting Poti underscored its determination to retain its grip on the strategic Black Sea port. At the opposite end of the new Russian maritime chain, US and Israeli satellites have recently observed large dredgers operating at the Syrian port of Tartus. They are believed to be preparing the small Mediterranean port to serve as permanent base for large Russian naval vessels, such as the Admiral Kuznetsov – right opposite the US Sixth Fleet and in close proximity to Israeli waters and shores. Boosting the US naval buildup in the region, Tuesday, Aug. 26, the USS Iwo Jima leaves Norfolk for the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf at the head of a large group which includes the USS San Antonio amphibious transport dock ship.
Source: http://www.debka.com/index1.php
Cheney to visit Georgia, Iwo Jima sails for Middle East
The Georgian conflict over South Ossetia is spiraling into a contest between the US and Russia over control of the Black Sea region and the eastern Mediterranean. The US Vice President xxxx Cheney will stop over in Georgia, the Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Italy during a trip starting Sept. 2. President Bush “felt it was important to have the vice president consult with allies in the region on our common security interests,” said the White House spokesman Monday, Aug. 25. These steps were Washington’s response to a rapid volley of decisions in Moscow: one was taken by the Russian Navy chief, Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky - as disclosed earlier by DEBKAfile - to place its warships bound for Syria’s Mediterranean port of Tartus under the command of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol. At the same time, the American aircraft carrier, the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, heading a six-vessel contingent, sets sail Tuesday for the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf, with 6,000 sailors and marines aboard. Also on Monday, the Russian general staff took the further step of announcing regular searches of all cargoes transiting the Georgian port of Poti, tightening its grip on the Black Sea shore. In Sochi, Russian president Dimitry Medvedev said he was considering halting Moscow’s ties with NATO. The Russian upper house unanimously urged him to recognize the two breakaway Georgian provinces as independent republics. This step would defy international recognition of the status of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as breakaway provinces of Georgia for the first time.
Source: http://www.debka.com/index1.php
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