Russia

Azerbaijan Boosts Turkish Defence Ties

Growing relationship signals shift from Russian to western arms purchases.

Minority Language Controversy in Georgia

Critics of European language charter warn that granting legal rights to linguistic minorities could weaken Georgian statehood.

Russian Leader to Talk Gas with Turkmenistan

Caspian States to Mull Ownership, Security of Sea

Uzbeks Unlikely to Back Moscow's Regional Security Plans

Moscow Extends Lease on Armenian Base

Critics say security partnership serves Russian aims far more than Armenian interests.

Caucasus WW2 Veterans Yearn for Greater Recognition

Sacrifices forgotten, say ex-soldiers from south Caucasus who fought Nazism.

New US Thinking on Chechnya Needed

Armenian Opposition Debt Warning

But state says borrowing was needed to keep economy on an even keel.

Tajik Electoral Body Under Fire as Polls Loom

Election officials reject claims of inactivity levelled by OSCE observers.