Russia

Abkhazia: Railway Breakthrough?

The unrecognised republic's isolation could soon be at an end following trilateral talks to reopen the rail link with the south Caucasus.

20 Mar 03

Chechen Referendum Row

The war-torn republic is gearing up for a constitution that will controversially affirm its status as part of Russia.

14 Mar 03

Chechnya Offers Kremlin New Mediators

While officially ruling out any possibility of negotiating with Chechen freedom fighters, Moscow is keeping its options open.

7 Mar 03

Baku Cemetery Controversy

Plans to build road through Baku cemetery may lead to destruction of thousands of old graves, including Armenian ones.

7 Mar 03

Dagestan Struggles to Stem TB Scourge

Local customs and poverty are hampering the fight against TB in Dagestan.

21 Feb 03

Mountain Men Beef up Georgia's Border Patrol

Scores of men from the mountains of Khevsureti are being enlisted to help guard Georgia's troubled border with Chechnya.

21 Feb 03

Russia Takes Over Armenian Atomic Plant

The expected management takeover of Armenia's nuclear power station hands even greater control of the country's energy sector to Russia.

13 Feb 03

Ingushetia Struggles with Refugee Burden

Ingush authorities face financial ruin over locals' compensation demands for housing Chechen refugees.

13 Feb 03

North Ossetia Loses Battle of Spirits

Moscow has wrested alcohol excise taxes from the North Ossetia - leaving a large hole in the republic's budget.

6 Feb 03

Armenia: Young Demirchian Gains Ground

Unable to rely on state television, the son of former communist-era leader of Armenia is making a strong showing in the presidential election campaign.