THE ELECTORAL BRIBE ISN’T THE MAIN WAY
Aram Abrahamian
Aravot, Armenia
Nov 1 2006
One of the famous politicians has told during one of discussions
lately that the press, focusing on the electoral bribes, assists the
authority propaganda, the aim of which is to prove that the elections
are rigged with the help of corruptibility of the population. It is
indeed very proper approach for the authorities: they admit that they
commit a small crime, hiding the big ones.
Frankly speaking, I haven’t noticed that the whole press is led by
that logic but that politician’s observation is right; the bribe,
which is given to the voters, is a small, assisting way for the
falsifiers. For example, there are 2 million voters in Armenia, 100000
voters from that two million have voted under influence of electoral
bribe, does it provide the victory of the authority candidates or
parties? Certainly, it doesn’t. And then everybody admits that the
constitutional referendum was rigged and no electoral bribe was given.
Expediency prompts that filling ballots isn’t also the main way
of rigging the elections. It is difficult to imagine that about 1
million ballots were filled in 2000 polling stations of Armenia. It is
much more possible that the number of filled ballots isn’t over 100
thousands. In addition to that figure one more 50 thousands voters,
the representatives of corrupted bureaucracy and the members of their
families who frankly vote for the authority. In addition to it the
army. We got 300000. Then where do 1-1,5 million votes come from,
which the authority always registers in favor it?
The answer is obvious and it may be elucidated by the example of that
same constitutional referendum. The following becomes clear from the
private conversations with “falsifiers of polling stations”; about
250 voters /200 ‘for’, 50 ‘against’/ came to vote in the polling
station which has 2000 voters. The falsifiers added to that 250 a
small ‘1’ making it 1250. The main way for providing the “victory of
the authority” is to “draw figures”.
I can’t say how the participation of voters will be in the coming
parliamentary elections. I hope the opposition will not boycott and
will send its representatives to the polling stations.
If all oppositionist parties have 2000 uncorrupted representatives
and the OSCE send 2000 uncorrupted observers, it is possible that
the elections will be held a little fairly. There is easier version;
to sit and gamble; “The elections will be rigged”.

NO ELECTORAL BRIBE = NO PARTICIPATION
Anna Israelian
Aravot, Armenia
Nov 1 2006
One of the friends of Ruben Hovsepian who was elected as the head of
Ajapnyak community, spoke about the elections elucidating it.
– 18932 voters of Ajapnyak from 75188 took part in the elections.
This low figure is explained in the following way: people didn’t want
to participate in an election the results of which were determined
beforehand.
– I think this figure is exaggerated. Our adherents were visiting
homes and we knew that a lot of doors were closed. For example, 15-20%
of the inhabitants of the 16th block are out of Armenia. Not counting
those absent inhabitants the participation of 19000 voters is a usual
electoral process. Besides, Ruben Hovsepian’s electoral headquarter
had decided at the beginning that there would be no electoral bribe,
and free and transparent elections would be held.
– But let me cite Gagik Sargsian’s statement that was also the
candidate for the head of the community that Ruben Hovsepian’s
adherents gave 100000Drams to repair the elevator. This ARF candidate
was declaring before the elections that R. Hovsepian would threaten
the voters, and affirmed that he kept the voters in awe.
– It is simply shameful the behavior of some of our politicians who
declare without any proof about the awe the inhabitants of Ajapniak
were kept in, when the whole community was in peace on October 29. No
incident happened there, no problem was raised.
– Your rivals admit that there was no filling, falsifications. But
it is stressed that you have brought voters to the polling station
by cars.
– Some voters have been brought to the polling stations because the
school in the 15th block was repairing and the polling station was
removed to another school. By the way, those voters might vote in
favor of Gagik Sargsian or Ishkhan Arshakian. You know very well that
they can vote whom they want.
– You mentioned beforehand that this election proved that people
“were spoiled” by the electoral bribe.
– Our inhabitants aren’t guilty, they come, suggest, the citizens
take because of bad social conditions. I think a group of voters
didn’t come, as the electoral bribe hadn’t been given.

PROJECTLESS TURKEY LOSES EU FUNDS
By Abdulhamit Yildiz
Zaman Online, Turkey
Nov 1 2006
While the European Union supports research and technology investments,
Turkey feels it has been left behind.
Funds the European Union created to support research and technological
development investments did not find their way into Turkey as
expected. Despite news reports, behind the scenes a number of
projects did not meet a number of quality requirements to benefit
from EU funding.
Ankara wanted ~@248 million but could get only ~@44 million for 370
projects. Disappointment struck in Ankara as Small and Medium-Size
Enterprises (KOBI) presented imperfect or bad projects to the
European Union.
Eighty-five percent of 2,500 projects were rejected. Turkey could
not take advantage of the [email protected] billion program and, as expected,
the government did not sign on to the new program.
Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) Tanil Kucuk said
industrialists in Turkey were caught unprepared.
Kucuk said that the Scientific Technical Research Council of Turkey
(TUBITAK) was right when it said there were no projects even if the
financial source was ready for them.
The European Union uses such programs as a tool to direct and support
research and technology development. The program was implemented in
1984; Turkey participated only during the fourth and fifth programs
but did not put money in the pool.
However, Turkey did invest ~@248 million in the 6th frame program
specifically because Turkish KOBIs were interested in it.
The new program’s first steps will be taken in January 2007.
Consequently, ~@73 billion will be invested in approved projects.
The package designated [email protected] billion to KOBIs and [email protected] billion of
this will be given to new groundbreaking projects.
Small-sized enterprises will be supported for industrial competition
and innovation. The information technology and energy industries will
be included. If Turkey is included into the new project it will have
to contribute ~@100 million annually.
As a country that has begun negotiations, Turkey’s current political
debates are focused on secondary issues, CPS consultant Turkish General
Manager Tulu Gumustekin said. While emphasizing the importance of
innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), Gumustekin
reckoned that Turkey has not shown its commitment to participation,
thus denying SME’s new opportunities. She also believes the sooner the
7th framework is signed the better. Critical of the hesitant approach
companies have toward research and development studies, Gumustekin
said, “We refrain when it comes to the difficult part of the job.”
TUSIAD Board Member Ayca Dinckok believes one of the most important
novelties of the 7th framework program is ensuring Turkey’s
participation in the European Technology Platform, Joint Technology
Initiatives, Competition and Innovation Framework Program.
Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Board Member Erhan Erken believes Turkey
was late in joining the previous framework program and could not enjoy
its benefits because of its shortcomings caused by inexperience. Noting
the 7th framework program had gained significant value with the 2005
revised Treaty of Lisbon, Erken said, “Every year is more successful
than the last and more industrial enterprises are participating
in projects.”
French Bill a Failure
Referring to the new bill passed in the French parliament criminalizing
the denial of the alleged Armenian genocide, Gumustekin asserted it
went against human rights and the freedom of speech, adding that most
likely the bill would be a failure from the beginning.
Gumustekin said the Turkish public was tired and disappointed by
the EU negotiation process, but demands regarding Cyprus and France’s
attitude worsened the situation: “This is a very dangerous period… If
politicians gain the support of public opinion, than reforms will be
implemented sooner or later… Since there is no support in Europe,
politicians are forced to lift the curtains on opinions that are
not founded on truths. Turkey was an important country for those who
truly cared for the future of the EU, we need to keep such person’s
influence strong,” Gumustekin noted.
While the CPS consultant approves criticism against France,
especially at the state level, she cautions the government not
to target companies that make investments in the country. If such
reactions develop, then Turkey would frighten the economy’s lifeline,
which is foreign investment, Gumustekin said. She also said that it
would cause foreign investors to think twice about investing in Turkey
due to the potential political problems that would affect investments,
causing Turkey to hurt itself.

THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE ARE NOT CLEAR YET
Lragir, Armenia
Nov 1 2006
The debates on the draft constitution in Karabakh go on. They also
continue connecting the constitutional process with the presidential
election in 2007. First because though President Ghukasyan announced
that he would not run a third term running, a number of circumstances
show that such attempts may be taken, nevertheless. And this completely
changes the political sphere and the direction of developments. We
asked Gegham Baghdasaryan, member of ARF Dashnaktsutyun-Movement
88, the oppositionist parliamentary group of NKR to comment on the
current situation.
The member of parliament says the race for the post of president
has already started. “The point is that as long as it is not clear
if the president will run in the election, the potential candidates
do not feel free. And in fact, the problem of the president has not
been solved yet. Although Arkady Ghukasyan stated on October 11 that
he is unlikely to run in the election, a number of facts show that
this is not so. Namely the leader of the Democratic faction of the
ruling Democratic Party Vahram Atanesyan announced after the statement
of the president that after the adoption of the Constitution “the
president will round up the representatives of the political forces
and announce about his final decision”. In other words, this statement
was not the final decision. Gagik Petrosyan, the representative of the
Hayrenik faction of the second force in the parliament, stated that
the provision in the draft constitution, which enables the president to
run a third term, will not be withdrown. Therefore, it will be possible
to discuss the topic of the candidates only after the adoption of the
Constitution and the “final decision”. If the president is nominated,
there will hardly be any candidates from the pro-governmental wing. If
not, there will be a number of candidates,” Gegham Baghdasaryan said.
The member of parliament reminded that only the NGOs undertake talks
about the possible candidates in Karabakh. The Open Society NGO,
for instance, conducted a public poll, and Speaker Ashot Ghulyan was
given the highest popular rating. Afterwards, the same organization in
association with the Press Club of Stepanakert conducted a survey among
16 experts. And new leaders have appeared: the deputy foreign minister
Masis Mayilyan 4 votes, the head of the State Security Service Bako
Sahakyan 4 votes, NKR President Arkady Ghukasyan 3 votes, the leader
of the ARF-Movement 88 parliamentary group Armen Sargsyan 2 votes,
the former defense minister Samvel Babayan 1 vote, the leader of the
Karabakh movement 1 vote, the former member of parliament Nerses
Ohanjanyan 1 vote. “It is interesting that people appeared in the
leading places of the survey, who work in the government agencies. This
is first of all explained by the existence of “an administrative
opposition”. The others think that these people have greater
possibilities for public politics. There is another circumstance: the
experts have evaluated the real chances of the possible candidates. It
is also interesting that there is an oppositionist among the leaders,
Armen Sargsyan,” said Gegham Baghdasaryan.
Gegham Baghdasaryan thinks that after the adoption of the
Constitution the political parties will have meetings and decide
on their standpoint. “The political parties have appeared in a very
difficult situation. The recent maneuvers of the president slow down
the establishment of the political sphere. People do not feel free,
and cannot open the cards. Although, we have learned that some people
have already started the pre-election campaign,” said the member
of parliament.

MAMMADYAROV: OFFICIAL BAKU INTERESTED IN FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF NAGORNO GARABAGH, INSEPARABLE PART OF AZERBAIJAN
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Nov 1 2006
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received OSCE standing
representative from Italy today, Foreign Ministry Press Service
Department told the APA.
Francesco Bascone was pleased with the activity of OSCE Office in
Baku and cooperation of governmental organizations with the office.
He took an interest in Mammadyarov’s viewpoint about the current
stage of negotiations in the direction of the settlement of
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.
Speaking about the settlement of the conflict Mammadyarov said that
the solution is possible only within the Azerbaijan’s territorial
integrity. He stressed the importance of granting autonomy to
the population of Nagorno Garabagh and ensuring peaceful life of
Azerbaijanis and Armenians in the region.
The Minister spoke of the necessity of releasing occupied territories
from Armenian armed forces, returning of the refugees to their
motherland and normalization of the life in the released territories.
Mammadyarov noted that Nagorno Garabagh Armenians are Azerbaijan
citizens and official Baku is interested in future development of
Nagorno Garabagh, Azerbaijan’s inseparable part. Bascone stressed the
importance on the main principles of the settlement of the conflict.

ARMENIAN AZERBAIJANIS TO BE INCLUDED IN LIST OF ELECTORS
Today, Azerbaijan
Nov 1 2006
Constituency Election Commission (CEC) of Khankendi election
constituency #122 will include Armenian Azerbaijanis in the list
of electors beginning from January of 2007, Allahverdi Dolukhanov,
the chief of CEC #122, told.
He said that commission has prepared working plan and citizens of
Armenian origin living abroad will be included to the list in their
own will.
He said that Azerbaijani citizens living abroad, but registered in
this constituency appealed to the election commission on their own
initiative after restoration of the work of the constituency.
“Mostly Armenian Azerbaijanis living in CIS countries appealed to us.
We will begin to include the ones who appealed first,” he said.
Dolukhanov also said that the government will take appropriate measures
to let those citizens participate in the elections, APA reports.
URL:

TURKISH EDUCATION MINISTER HUSSAIN CHELIK: WE ARE GRATEFUL TO AZERBAIJAN’S REACTION TO FRENCH BILL
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Nov 1 2006
The students studying at higher educational institutions in Turkey
have opportunity to collect important information on all genocide
facts against the Turkish and Azerbaijanis, APA reports.
Turkish Education Minister Hussain Chelik said that in order
to propagandize the genocide against the Turkish people widely,
special books were distributed among the universities. There are
books about the Khojali tragedy among them. The Minister is pleased
with the Azerbaijan’s position on the French Parliament’s bill making
Armenian genocide denial punishable. Chelik noted that Azerbaijan
supported Turkey on this problem and Turkish government is grateful
to Azerbaijan for this.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NKR DRAFT CONSTITUTION ADOPTED IN THE SECOND READING
DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Nov 1 2006
The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic National Assembly has adopted the NKR
Draft Constitution in the second reading. The overwhelming majority
of the deputies participating in the voting were for the Draft.
The Nagorno-Karabakh Parliament has rendered a decision to submit
the Draft Constitution to a nation-wide referendum, DE FACTO own
correspondent in Stepanakert reports. The nation-wide referendum’s
day will be fixed by the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic President.

“RIGHT OF CHOICE”: “THE FRENCH PARLIAMENT VIOLATES BASIC PRINCIPLES OF LAW AND FREEDOM”
Democratic Azerbaijan
Nov 1 2006
A draft bill on a fictitious “Armenians’ genocide” provides for a
punishment of those denying the genocide by detaining for 6 months
and a fine worthy of 45,000 euro.
The reaction of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and the statement
of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan to adoption of a
draft bill on the fictitious Armenians’ genocide by the National
assembly of the French Parliament are praiseworthy. It should be
noted that the draft bill provides for a punishment of those denying
the genocide by detaining for 6 months or a fine worthy of 45,000
euro. We have shown interest in MM deputies’ views on the matter.
Rabiyat Aslanova, Chairman of the MM Standing Commission for human
rights, chief of The Council of religious experts and a MP, said:
“The French Parliament violates the basic principles of law and
freedom. The given document restricts the freedom of expression
of French people who have personal views on the matter. A state on
the flag of which the symbols of peace and democracy are pictured
should not act that way. I believe the Senate will not approve the
document put forward by the French parliament under the influence of
the Armenian lobby, and the given event will go down in history of
France as an erroneous step”.
To the question whether it can be regarded as a double standard
hindering to Turkey’s entering to the European Union, the deputy said:
“I do not take it as a double standard. Anyway the European Union
guided by the policy of neighborhood should be interested in making
more neighbors. I believe common sense will prevail, and the attitude
to Turkey will change with time”.
According to Rabiyat Aslanova, one of the prerequisites of the present
situation is the absence of alternative international structures. “To
date the basic reason of international western structures’ taken
position is the absence of alternative international organizations what
I am sorry about very much. If there were similar structures in the
East the states would not seek membership in western international
structures only, which, in their turn, would treat the states
impartially. We should think over the facts. That is why I think
the Turkic world should establish a structure. We will have enough
strength and ability to implement the idea. If that is the case we
will be a side equal in rights”.
The parliamentarian touched upon a very interesting point concerning
the Khojaly tragedy. According to her, Europe has not wanted to
recognize tragic events in Khojaly for years. The deputy who considers
this step of France as an established evidence of human rights
violation stated that if adopted the document would not influence
negatively on Azerbaijan. “As an independent state, Azerbaijan is
continuing its successful appearances in the foreign policy. I think
the question will not have a negative influence upon our state”. At the
same time R. Aslanova stated that the Armenians have been campaigning
actively for many years for the imaginary “genocide of Armenians”
to be recognized by the entire world. “The Dashnaktsutyun Party has
been working in this direction since late XIX century down to the
present by implementing its policy within a single program. It is
noteworthy that Azerbaijan enduring the period of self-affirmation
has faced with different kinds of opposition for 15 years. Both a
long period of time and a strong Armenian lobby that is a powerful
political force capable to exert influence upon the internal policy
of the state it lives in are working for the Armenians. In connection
with the elections local governments beware, to some extent, of the
Armenian lobby, which has caused the present situation”.
Abramov Yevda Sasunovich, head of the Working group for
inter-Parliamentary relations of Azerbaijan and Israel, member of the
MM Standing Commission for human rights, the only MM Jewish member,
a member of the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians,
expressed his discontent with the decision of the French Parliament:
“Like any other Azerbaijan citizen, I cannot agree with the decision
of France. Adoption by the state with democratic traditions of a
document that does not meet the interests of France, but of another
state, that plays a secondary role for France is a transgression of
the Constitution of that state. The document in question serves most
of all for Armenians’ interests and is based not on the foreign but
internal policy of France. Such a step taken only for the purpose to
win the votes of a small group of Armenians on the eve of elections
is far from humanity”.
At the same time Y. Abramov estimates the actions of Turkey that is
going to recognize officially the Khojaly and Algeria genocides as a
quite timely and correct step. “I am very glad that Turkey has decided
to take adequate measures and raised the question. Throughout the
history France has subjected the Algerian population to unthinkable
indignity and oppression. The French used to destroy Muslims and Arabs
on a large scale. If France adopts a law meeting Armenia’s interests,
Turkey can adopt a document related the Khojaly and Algeria genocides,
and that will be a right step”.
The parliamentarian said that during the visit of the Israeli
parliament delegation to Azerbaijan they were presented books and
documents related to the tragic events. “We brought to their notice
the fact that the Turkish parliament is going to consider the issue
of the Khojaly genocide and advanced a proposal to discuss the issue
by Israel having friendly relations with Azerbaijan. In response, we
were recommended to bring the position of the Azerbaijan Republic to
the world community’s notice. Our state should adopt a document to be
submitted to the parliaments of all states”. The head of the Working
group for inter-Parliamentary relations of Azerbaijan and Israel said
that the issue would be raised at the World Jewish Congress to be
held in the USA next year. According to the MP, his colleagues and
him consider it their debt to use any opportunity and to appear with
information about the Khojaly genocide. “We should have information to
bring it to the world community’s notice in future. As to the issue
put by the France’s National Assembly, I am ready to express my view
on the matter to the French Ambassador to Azerbaijan in case of a
“round table” discussion”.
Mubariz Gurbanly, a political scientist, deputy chairman of the
Legal and Political Affairs Committee of the Parliament Assembly of
the Black Sea Cooperation Organization and a MP, said that the law
adopted by the French Parliament National Assembly is contradictory to
human rights and freedom of expression. “The document adopted under
the pressure of the Armenian lobby is directed to falsification of
history and contradictory to the interests of France itself.
That’s why I doubt that the French Senate will approve it and France’s
President will sign it. Otherwise France will appear in an awkward
situation”.
According to the political scientist, the issue was raised by the
instrumentality of not only the representatives of the Armenian
lobby, but also of politicians inclined against Turkic states,
and of opposition figures and of representatives of the ruling
party wishing to win the elections. As to the Khojaly genocide, the
parliamentarian said that the issue-related work is under way at the
present. “The Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan launched work
in this direction as far back as 1992, and in 1994 the national leader
Heydar Aliyev enacted a decree on the genocide. The same year the Milli
Majlis adopted a document concerning the Khojaly events by officially
recognizing the developments as genocide by the Armenians against
the Azerbaijan people. The same year there was sent an address to the
world parliament that included a request to European states, Turkey,
Pakistan, Iran and some other states to recognize the Armenians’
actions as “genocide”.
Besides Mubariz Gurbanly emphasized that this step of France will
not have a negative influence upon the Nagorno-Garabagh conflict
settlement. “The law the French Parliament is going to adopt has no
direct relation to Nagorno Garabagh. It should be noted that France
will remain a member of the OSCE Minsk group, however this will by
no means influence the conflict settlement, as the OSCE is just an
intermediary. It has no authority to make a decision and to dictate
it to us. In any event the last word is ours. However, it gives an
impression that France patronizes Armenia. One should not forget that
the genocide-related document does not defend theArmenaisn by 100 per
cent. France has its own interests and acts in accordance with them”.
Fazil Gazanfaroghlu, chairman of the Great Establishment Party and
a MP, said that the document is contradictory to law. “The given
decision aims at hindering Turkey’s joining the European Union
and is of provocative nature. Turkey should not be worried about
that since the above-mentioned document will have no force on the
international space. It will cause difficulties for France itself
in future”, Gazanfaroghlu said noting that one should not take the
event seriously. “To date France’s position in the world is not strong.
France has become a state that is incapable to solve its domestic
problems. The recent events have proved that as well”, he said. As to
the statement of the Azerbaijan Parliament, he said “the Azerbaijan
Parliament has shown “on-the-fly” reaction to such an important
issue for the first time, which is a positive factor. However, it is
desirable such practice should be continued”.
Fazail Agamaly, chairman of Ana Vatan Party and a MP, said “the
action of France is an attack on democracy, and single people are
made responsible”.
According to the parliamentarian, it would be stupid to expect France,
as an OSCE Minsk group co-chairman, demonstrating a just position in
the Nagorno-Garabagh conflict settlement. The party chairman noted
that he did not accept France’s actions as double standards. “It is
clear that the decision has been made in favor of Armenia. France is
unambiguously defending Armenia on the international level”.
F. Agamaly noted that it is time for Azerbaijan to act more
resolutely. “After this stage, we should not keep to self-defense,
but attack as President Ilham Aliyev said. We have to take a right
position to maintain the interests of our state and people. I can
say that we should not expect France’s and Armenia’s further actions,
but attack…”
Analytical department, NGO “Right of choice”
is/vis.pl?s=001&p=0056&n=001049&g=

GEORGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS MOSCOW
Democratic Azerbaijan
Nov 1 2006
Georgian Foreign Minister Gela Bezhuashvili is in Moscow on November
1 to hold talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in an
attempt to lay the ground for easing the current tensions between
the two countries.
The meeting, which will take place on the sideline of the summit of
Foreign Ministers from the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization
(BSEC), will be the first high-level talks since the worst crisis of
recent years erupted between Russia and Georgia in late September.
“We are determined to be constructive and are ready to take into
consideration Moscow’s interests in the Caucasus. But we do expect
the same from the Russian side as well. We are going to Moscow to see
what Russia wants,” Gela Bezhuashvili told Georgian reporters in Baku,
Azerbaijan prior to his departure to Moscow.
In an interview with the BBC Gela Bezhashvili said that his priority
will be to get Russian economic sanctions lifted.
Bezhuashvili, accompanied by State Minister for Conflict Resolution
Issues Merab Antadze, had to travel to Moscow via Baku, as direct
transportation links with Georgia were cut by Russia on October 3.
Russian news agencies reported on October 31, quoting an unnamed
Kremlin official, that Russian President Vladimir Putin declined a
Georgian offer to meet with visiting Foreign Minister Bezhuashvili.
“The issue of possible talks between the President of Russia and
the Georgian Foreign Minister was discussed on the eve of Gela
Bezhuashvili’s arrival in Moscow. However, President Putin decided to
decline this meeting,” Interfax and RIA Novosti news agencies quoted
the Kremlin source.
But Bezhuashvili denied the report. “It was not planned at all. I do
not know why this news is disseminated by Russian agencies,” he told
reporters on November 1.
Bezhuashvili told reporters on October 31 that his talks with the
Russian officials are also aimed to prepare the ground for a potential
meeting between President Saakashvili and his Russian counterpart,
which, if agreed to, will most likely take place in Minsk, Belarus
on the sidelines of the CIS summit in late November.
President Saakashvili has expressed his readiness for top-level talks
several times recently. After an informal EU-Russian summit in Lahti,
President Putin said on October 20 that Moscow is “quite satisfied with
the signals manifesting Tbilisi’s readiness to improve our relations.”
Meanwhile, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Igor Ivanov said
on October 31 that Georgia should sign an agreement with the Abkhaz
and South Ossetian sides on the non-use of force.
Georgia has so far refused to sign the agreements, saying that an
international peacekeeping force should replace the current Russian-led
peacekeeping operation as the guarantor of such an agreement.
“First of all, Georgia should sign these agreements… If Georgia
follows this path and not the path of threats and provocations, which
consistently take place, the atmosphere will change [in Russo-Georgian
relations],” RIA Novosti news agency quoted Ivanov as saying.
The Georgian Foreign Minster already met with his Armenian counterpart
Vardan Oskanian in Moscow on November 1 on the sidelines of the BSEC
summit. Armenian businessmen are also reportedly suffering from
Russia’s economic sanctions on Georgia because they are forced to
redirect import routes, which increases expenditures from 7% to 20%.