Russia Cracks the Whip

The threat of a visa regime has forced Azerbaijan to make strenuous efforts to placate the Kremlin

Covert Business in Croatia Knows No Boundaries

Dodgy deals and smuggling rings continue to grab front-page headlines in Croatia. Now Marko Milosevic, son of the Yugoslav president, is in the frame.

Kyrgyz Election Update

In the third update on the campaign for the February 27 parliamentary election in Kyrgyzstan, IWPR looks at key events of the week (RCA No. 344, 28-Jan-05)

Kazak Opposition Sees Political Overtones to Crime Case

Four politicians accused of helping a wanted businessman get asylum abroad – but is that actually a crime?

Uzbek Authorities Move Against Top Photographer

Rights groups ridicule suggestions that Umida Ahmedova’s images slander Uzbek nation as a whole.

Proposed Regional Grouping a Non-Starter

Japan Quake Prompts Armenian Nuclear Worries

Authorities insist aging plant is earthquake-proof.

Azerbaijan Slow to Tackle HIV Health Needs

Fewer recorded cases than Russia, but country needs more specialised clinics offering treatment.

"Russian Lesson" Provokes Fury in Armenia

Outspoken Moscow media official suggests Armenia should adopt Russian as an official language.

Georgia Presses NATO for Positive Signal

Political leaders say membership plan should be agreed this year if NATO is serious about inviting Georgia to join.