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Domestic policy

The charges have been brought against Serzh Sargsyan, the third President of Armenia

Armenia's third president, Serzh Sargsyan, has been indicted for embezzling more than USD 1 million, according to the Armenian Special Investigation Service, this year on December 4 informs Kavkazsky Uzel.

Budapest will continue to block Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, the Hungarian Foreign Minister said

Hungary will block Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic efforts as long as Kiev does not restore ethnic Hungarians living in the Transcarpathian region to the level it had before the Education Act of 2017, referring to a statement issued by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on 4 December of this year, writes Reuters.

A meeting between Russian and Serbian leaders took place in Sochi

This year on December 4 Russian and Serbian leaders Vladimir Putin and Aleksandar Vucic had a meeting in Sochi, informs Kremlin official website.

The charges have been brought against Serzh Sargsyan, the third President of Armenia

Budapest will continue to block Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, the Hungarian Foreign Minister said

A meeting between Russian and Serbian leaders took place in Sochi

News

Visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Germany

On December 5-6 this year, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pays an official visit to Berlin, writes Canews.

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The charges have been brought against Serzh Sargsyan, the third President of Armenia

Armenia's third president, Serzh Sargsyan, has been indicted for embezzling more than USD 1 million, according to the Armenian Special Investigation Service, this year on December 4 informs Kavkazsky Uzel.

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Budapest will continue to block Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, the Hungarian Foreign Minister said

Hungary will block Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic efforts as long as Kiev does not restore ethnic Hungarians living in the Transcarpathian region to the level it had before the Education Act of 2017, referring to a statement issued by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on 4 December of this year, writes Reuters.

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A meeting between Russian and Serbian leaders took place in Sochi

This year on December 4 Russian and Serbian leaders Vladimir Putin and Aleksandar Vucic had a meeting in Sochi, informs Kremlin official website.

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In Turkmenistan, mass dismissals of state institutions continue

83% of members are dismissed in one Ministry of Agriculture body, Fergana writes, referring to the news from Radio Azatlik (Freedom).

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Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the Georgian Dream Party, says conditions for his withdrawal from politics

In the face of the political crisis in the country, the Georgian opposition has announced its next steps in moving opposition protest from Tbilisi to the regions. The first anti-government large-scale rally is scheduled for Kutaisi in the near future. Meanwhile, the chairman of the "Georgian Dream" power party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, has announced the conditions for his withdrawal from politics, on December 2, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes.

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President of Ukraine strengthens influence over anti-corruption field

On December 3 of this year, the Ukrainian parliament adopted amendments to the law State Bureau of Investigations (DBR), informs Cenzor.

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Expert forecasts for the 2021 State Duma elections

The Institute for Socio-Economic and Political Studies has published the 2021 State Duma election projections, informs news outlet „Kommersant”.

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Visit of the mayor of Tajikistan capital city to Uzbekistan

Rustam Emomali visits Tashkent on a working visit on 3 and 4 December, writes Asiaplus.

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South Ossetia allows residents of Ahalgori district to receive medical services in Georgia

This year on December 2, South Ossetian authorities decided to allow residents of the Ahalgori (Leningradskaya) area to receive medical care in central-controlled Georgia, informs news outlet „News Georgia”.

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Turkmenistan natural gas supply diversification aspects. Part II

Natural gas supplies to Russia were interrupted in early 2016 following a protracted conflict between the Russian and Turkmen state-owned Gazprom and Turkmen gas companies over remittance. Gazprom sought price revision from 2008 and reduced natural gas purchases in Turkmenistan to one billion cubic meters in 2015 (as compared with the previous 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year; it should be noted that by 2009 the amount of Russian purchases was 40 billion cubic meters per year).

Turkmenistan natural gas supply diversification aspects. Part I

The 10th International Natural Gas Congress TGC-2019 was held on May 21 and 22 this year in the Avaza tourist region (West Turkmenistan) with the aim to develop cooperation in the field of energy usage, as well as to inform about priorities of the Turkmen energy strategy and projects for diversification and modernization of natural gas exports.

The ideology of the Putin regime and its manifestations in the Russian Armed Forces. Part II

The primacy of modern-day Russian Armed Forces can actually be attributed to the military doctrine adopted in November 1993, which incorporated the idea of modernizing the army. In practice, however, in the 1990s the Russian army relied on Soviet structures, full of severe economic problems and corruption. Beginning with the reforms of the Minister of Defense Sergei Ivanov in 2001, the Russian Armed Forces began moving towards the introduction of a contract service.

Countries

Russian Federation

A meeting between Russian and Serbian leaders took place in Sochi

This year on December 4 Russian and Serbian leaders Vladimir Putin and Aleksandar Vucic had a meeting in Sochi, informs Kremlin official website.

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Domestic policy

Expert forecasts for the 2021 State Duma elections

The Institute for Socio-Economic and Political Studies has published the 2021 State Duma election projections, informs news outlet „Kommersant”.

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Domestic policy

Edition: Kremlin discusses small party participation in State Duma elections in 2021

At the moment, the Russian Presidential Administration is discussing the idea of small parties participating in the State Duma elections in 2021, citing sources, informs news outlet „Vedomosti”.

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The Russian government agrees on the use of the National Welfare Fund

Russian government has backed proposals from Ministry of Finance and Economic Development on spending of National Welfare Fund (NWF), informs news outlet „Vedomosti”.

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Belarus

Russian and Belarusian leaders must personally agree on current integration issues

Russian and Belarusian presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko will have to personally agree on "roadmaps" for economic integration between the two countries, which governments have not agreed on, according to sources, informs news outlet „Kommersant”.

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Domestic policy

Results of the parliamentary elections in Belarus

This year on November 17 - House of Representatives (lower house) elections happened in Belarus, TUT.BY reports.

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Negotiations on deeper integration between Belarus and Russia are ongoing

This year on November 19, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev met with Belarusian Prime Minister Syarhey Rumas at the annual meeting of the Russian-Belarussian United States Council of Ministers, informs RBK.

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Visit to Austria by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko

This year on November 11-12, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko visited Austria, informs German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW).

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Ukraine

Budapest will continue to block Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, the Hungarian Foreign Minister said

Hungary will block Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic efforts as long as Kiev does not restore ethnic Hungarians living in the Transcarpathian region to the level it had before the Education Act of 2017, referring to a statement issued by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on 4 December of this year, w...

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Domestic policy

President of Ukraine strengthens influence over anti-corruption field

On December 3 of this year, the Ukrainian parliament adopted amendments to the law State Bureau of Investigations (DBR), informs Cenzor.

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Messages by the President of Ukraine on the settlement of the Donbas conflict

So far, the Donbas conflict has not been resolved because representatives of the Normandy countries (Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France) have merely imitated the readiness to resolve the conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Time, Le Monde, Der Spiegel and Gazet...

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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine resigns

On November 28 of this year, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Olena Zerkal wrote the resignation, in reference to her post on Facebook, Levy Bereg reports.

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Moldova

Domestic policy

A new Prosecutor General has been appointed in Moldova

According to an order issued by Moldovan President Igor Dodon on November 29 of this year, Alexander Stoyanoglo has been appointed prosecutor general, Infotag reports.

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The Moldovan Prime Minister visits Moscow

This year on November 20 - Moldovan Prime Minister Jon Kiku paid an official visit to Moscow to meet Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, informs state information agency "Moldpres".

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Domestic policy

A new government is formed in Moldova

On November 14, the Moldovan Parliament expressed support for the government formed before by President Igor Dodon's nominee for Prime Minister Jon Kiku, informs INFOTAG.

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Domestic policy

The Moldovan Parliament dismisses the government

After weeks of political crisis, the Moldovan parliament decided in favour of the dismissal of the government, reports news outlet „INFOTAG”.

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Georgia

Domestic policy

Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the Georgian Dream Party, says conditions for his withdrawal from politics

In the face of the political crisis in the country, the Georgian opposition has announced its next steps in moving opposition protest from Tbilisi to the regions. The first anti-government large-scale rally is scheduled for Kutaisi in the near future. Meanwhile, the chairman of the "Georgian Dream" ...

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Domestic policy

South Ossetia allows residents of Ahalgori district to receive medical services in Georgia

This year on December 2, South Ossetian authorities decided to allow residents of the Ahalgori (Leningradskaya) area to receive medical care in central-controlled Georgia, informs news outlet „News Georgia”.

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The Georgian government calls on the National Bank to stabilize prices

Following another depreciation of the Georgian National Currency Lara (GEL), Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia called on the National Bank to use all existing instruments to stabilize prices. Novosti-Georgia writes on November 21.

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US General Ben Hodges: The Georgian government is getting less enthusiastic about NATO

Former US Commander European Forces, Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges says Georgia's government is losing enthusiasm for NATO, on November 22 - Novosti-Georgia writes in reference to Hodges interview with Voice of America for Georgia.

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Armenia

Domestic policy

The charges have been brought against Serzh Sargsyan, the third President of Armenia

Armenia's third president, Serzh Sargsyan, has been indicted for embezzling more than USD 1 million, according to the Armenian Special Investigation Service, this year on December 4 informs Kavkazsky Uzel.

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During his official visit to Armenia, Sergey Lavrov discusses biosafety issues

This year on 10 and 11 November, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was on his first official visit to Armenia after the change of power in the Republic in May 2018.

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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on relations with Moscow and the EU

This year the Free Trade Agreement between Serbia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) signed in Moscow on 25 October triggered a sharp reaction from Brussels. Prime Minister of the Armenian Presidency of the EEU, N.Pashinyan, interviewed by Kommersant noted that he considered the agreement with Be...

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Expert's view of Tbilisi's need to strike a balance between Yerevan and Baku in order to escape its "internal Karabakh"

Sergey Markedonov, a senior researcher at the Euro-Atlantic Security Centre at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, commented on Bunin & Co. in connection 15 October visit by Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia to Yerevan, Novosti-Armenia news release writes.

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Azerbaijan

Domestic policy

For the first time in Azerbaijan's history, there will be early parliamentary elections

Azerbaijani power party "New Azerbaijan" ("Eni Azerbaijan") decided at an extraordinary Political Council meeting to recommend the dismissal of a majority parliament, explaining its desire to support the reforms announced by the head of state.

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A meeting was held in Baku between the head of the Russian AF General Staff and the head of the NATO Military Committee

Chief of Staff of Russian AF General Army General Valery Gerasimov and Head of NATO Military Committee Air Force Marshal Stuart Pitch during a meeting in Baku discussed measures to prevent incidents on the Russia-NATO interface and prospects for reopening military experts dialogue, on November 26, w...

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Domestic policy

Azerbaijani power structures are carrying out mass detentions on the day of the opposition rally

This year on October 19, opposition leaders Ali Kerimli, Vahid Mageramli, Tofik Yagublu and other activists were arrested in an unauthorized opposition protest in Baku. Opposition reports that at least one hundred people have been detained in the Azerbaijani capital, Kavkazsky Uzel writes.

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Domestic policy

Azerbaijan has replaced the Prime Minister

Ali Asadov, economic adviser to President Ilham Aliyev, becomes Azerbaijan's prime minister, Kommersant reports.

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Kazakhstan

Visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Germany

On December 5-6 this year, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pays an official visit to Berlin, writes Canews.

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Domestic policy

In Kazakhstan, 7,000 theologians counteract the dissemination of jihadist ideas

Dauren Abayev, Minister of Information and Society Development, said at the 9th Forum of Religion Specialists that counter-measures for the propagation of radical ideology have been organized and that over 7,000 theologians are engaged in explaining, writes Centrasia.

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Domestic policy

Kazakh journalist announces establishment of Democratic Party

Kazakhstan journalist and political activist Zhanbolat Mamay on October 16, at a press conference held in Kazakhstan's International Office for Human Rights and Law Enforcement, announced the establishment of the Kazakh Democratic Party, Fergana informs.

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Domestic policy

Kazakh police will be trained in dialogue with protesters

Fergana launches pilot project to improve police officers' skills for constructive dialogue with citizens during peaceful actions in Almaty police department.

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Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan hosted the Central Asian Presidents Summit

On November 29 of this year, the Central Asian Presidents held their second consultative meeting in Tashkent, Canews writes.

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Domestic policy

The Uzbek President carried out a "clean-up" in the Ministry of Interior

According to the order of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, several Interior Ministry officials, including Major-General Dmitry Pan, the head of Guard Forces, have been dismissed, Centrasia writes.

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Uzbekistan debt to China will exceed USD 3 billion next year

Ministry of Finance estimates Uzbek debt to China to exceed USD 3 billion in 2020, Fergana writes.

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Russia's military base in Tajikistan is being strengthened

Russia's Military Base S-300PS Division 2019 Military Base Launches in Tajikistan on December 1, according to news agency Ria Novosti.

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Turkmenistan

Domestic policy

In Turkmenistan, mass dismissals of state institutions continue

83% of members are dismissed in one Ministry of Agriculture body, Fergana writes, referring to the news from Radio Azatlik (Freedom).

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Visit of the mayor of Tajikistan capital city to Uzbekistan

Rustam Emomali visits Tashkent on a working visit on 3 and 4 December, writes Asiaplus.

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The president of Turkmenistan speaks critically of oil leaders

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow spoke critically of oil leaders, noting that 88.7% of oil production plan has been implemented in nine months of this year, Fergana writes.

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Domestic policy

In Turkmenistan, queues are forming at the Embassy of Uzbekistan

Rewards of hundreds of people seeking travel visas for travel to Uzbekistan are recently forming at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Ashgabat, Canews writes.

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Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan concludes Summit on Collective Security Organization

A meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) which took place in Bishkek on 28 November of this year, attended by the Presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan, as well as by the Armenian Prime Minister, writes news outlet Stanradar.

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The Kyrgyz President is called on to step up the fight against corruption

On November 25 of this year, a rally in Bishkek took place, inviting around 1,000 participants to step up the fight against corruption, writes Nezavisimaya Gazeta.

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Internal migration is increasing in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan's internal migration is targeting the Chuy area (north of the country), while other regions are facing declining populations, writes Stanradar.

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Domestic policy

Kyrgyzstan calls for stronger use of the Kyrgyz language

President Sooronbay Jeenbekov calls for strengthening Kyrgyz language in society, Lenta writes.

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Tajikistan

Visit of the mayor of Tajikistan capital city to Uzbekistan

Rustam Emomali visits Tashkent on a working visit on 3 and 4 December, writes Asiaplus.

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Tajikistan plans to build a separate prison for terrorism convicts

Speaking at a conference on improving the penitentiary system, Yusufdzon Yusufzoda, head of the Security Council's administration, said that convicts for terrorism and extremism should be made a separate prison, and the Central Prison Administration is already looking into this, writes Canews.

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Domestic policy

The Tajik Supreme Court blocked 30 opposition pages on the Internet

More than 30 websites linked to the National Alliance - opposition forces abroad, have been banned by the Supreme Court of Tajikistan, Canews writes.

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Russia's military base in Tajikistan is being strengthened

Russia's Military Base S-300PS Division 2019 Military Base Launches in Tajikistan on December 1, according to news agency Ria Novosti.

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Donetsk People’s Republic

Domestic policy

Volodymyr Zelensky commissioned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop a mechanism to simplify the procedure for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's decree on July 17, for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commissioned to develop a mechanism to facilitate the acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship by ethnic Ukrainians from friendly countries. On July 17, referri...

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Domestic policy

Presidential candidates have become known for the Republic of Donetsk

For this years November 11th scheduled Donetsk election, five candidates were registered, referring to the statement by the head of the Central Election Commission, Olga Pozdnakova, on October 5, writes the newspaper Lenta.

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Domestic policy

Analyst: new leader of Donetsk People’s Republic to be Deniss Pushilin

Moscow has chosen the current acting leader and parliament speaker Deniss Pushilin to be the new leader of the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to researcher of the US think tank Jamestown Foundation Vladimr Sokor.

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Domestic policy

Publication: fight for power in Donetsk People’s Republic

Since the murder of leader of Donetsk People’s Republic Aleksandr Zakharchenko in 31 August, there is a period of lack of state power in the republic, reported Krim Realiy.

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Lugansk People’s Republic

Domestic policy

Volodymyr Zelensky commissioned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop a mechanism to simplify the procedure for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's decree on July 17, for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commissioned to develop a mechanism to facilitate the acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship by ethnic Ukrainians from friendly countries. On July 17, referri...

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A businessman near Vladimir Putin may have arranged the assassination of Igor Plotnitsky's associate

Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, may have organized a former Luhansk People's Republic leader LNR leader Igor Plotnitsky's assassination, writes Russian edition of Novaya Gazeta.

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Domestic policy

So-called elections for "parliaments" and "heads of state" will be held this autumn in Donetsk and Luhansk republics

This year on September 7th the "parliaments" of the Donetsk and Luhansk peoples' republics decided to organize "parliament" and presidential elections on November 11, informs the newspaper Leviy Bereg.

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Domestic policy

Changes made in Luhansk People’s Republic’s constitution

In 6 September, Parliament of the Luhansk People’s Republic made changes in the self-proclaimed constitution, prolonging the authority of the leader (president) and deputies from four to five years, reported Realnaya Gazeta.

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Transnistria

Abkhazia

Domestic policy

The inauguration ceremony of the President of Abkhazia took place

The inauguration ceremony of Abkhaz President Raul Khajimba took place on October 9, informs Russian news agency TASS.

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Raul Khajimba re-elected President of Abkhazia

Kavkazsky Uzel, former self-proclaimed Republic leader Raul Khajimba, won the second round of presidential elections in Abkhazia on 8 September of this year.

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There will be a second round of presidential elections in Abkhazia

For the first time in the history of Abkhazia, the second round of self-proclaimed presidential election will take place, Kommersant reports.

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The opposition calls for the presidential elections in Abkhazia to happen in the autumn

Supporters of the Deputy President of Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, following a refusal by Parliament to postpone the July 21 upcoming presidential elections due to illness of the opposition leader, announced the launch of an open-ended protest at the Abkhazian Parliament building. Oppositionists also de...

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South Ossetia

Domestic policy

South Ossetia allows residents of Ahalgori district to receive medical services in Georgia

This year on December 2, South Ossetian authorities decided to allow residents of the Ahalgori (Leningradskaya) area to receive medical care in central-controlled Georgia, informs news outlet „News Georgia”.

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Why President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, recognised the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia?

Syrian Arab Republic recognised the independence of separatist territories Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Until now, the independence of these territories was recognised by Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Nauru.

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Syria recognizes the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

On May 29 this year Georgia announced the contraction of its diplomatic relations with Syria, informs Kommersant. This happened after Damascus recognized the independence of the Georgian separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

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Nagorno-Karabakh

Russian political scientist thinks that the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan could sign an agreement in June

Russian political scientist Stanislav Tarasov commenting on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, on 22 January (the third meeting of the two leaders since the arrival of N. Pashinyan in power in the spring of 2018) at the World Economic Forum in Davos, note...

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Nikol Pashinyan: The probability of war with Azerbaijan is very high

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan this year on July 25, in an interview with the news release Eho Moskvi stated that the probability of war with Azerbaijan is very high and that Armenia should be ready for war.

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Baku announces they will renew control in the highlands with strategic significance

Nakhchivan’s forces were able to renew control over the Gulustan village and over the surrounding strategic highlands.

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Domestic policy

Shifting positions in the structures of Nagorno-Karabakh

On June 6, President of the Nagorno-Karabakh, Bako Sahakyan, made several shifts in the self-proclaimed government and power structures, reports Lragir.

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