New Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych recently paid a visit to Moscow, during which he vowed to reorient Kyiv's foreign policy in the "right direction" toward Moscow. The budding revival of a special relationship between Russia and Ukraine could have significant economic ramifications for energy exports from the Caspian Basin to the European Union.
New Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych recently paid a visit to Moscow, during which he vowed to reorient Kyiv's foreign policy in the "right direction" toward Moscow. The budding revival of a special relationship between Russia and Ukraine could have significant economic ramifications for energy exports from the Caspian Basin to the European Union.
The United States wants to "depoliticize" the proposed Nabucco pipeline project, and might welcome Russia's participation in the pipeline, Washington's Eurasian energy envoy, Richard Morningstar, recently announced. The Kremlin, however, is likely to interpret this outwardly magnanimous gesture as a sign of Nabucco's weakness, some experts say.
Already struggling to scrape by amid the global economic downturn, many Armenians are confronting a new and daunting challenge - a 46-percent increase in natural gas prices.
Having significantly lowered natural gas imports from Turkmenistan, Russia's state-controlled energy conglomerate Gazprom is turning to Azerbaijan to make up some of the difference.
As prospects dim for a quick reopening of the Turkish-Armenian border, Georgian business executives remain quietly content. Trouble with the Turkish-Armenian reconciliation process can mean continued economic benefits for Georgian traders.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is exuding hubris following a Central Asian tour that featured the opening of a second natural gas pipeline connecting Turkmenistan and Iran.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is exuding hubris following a Central Asian tour that featured the opening of a second natural gas pipeline connecting Turkmenistan and Iran.
Tajik authorities appear intent on redefining the concept of volunteerism. Under the guise of public spirit, the government is using a variety of methods to compel citizens to contribute funds to the construction of the long-stalled Rogun Dam.
