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Domestic policy

The visit of the Russian Defence Minister raises controversy in Moldova's ruling coalition

Moldova's ruling coalition faces controversy over Russia's upcoming visit to Chisinau by Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu, Newsmaker reports.

Russia's Promsvyazbank balance sheet uncovers several tons of gold during Venezuelan crisis

Promsvyazbank, a Russian base bank for executing a state defence order, unexpectedly uncovered 8 tons of gold worth about RUB 23 billion in the balance sheet, but the details were kept secret, writes The Bell.

The State Duma plans to monitor the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia during the autumn session

The State Duma plans to monitor the situation of the Russian-speaking minority in Latvia during the autumn session, writes news outlet „Nezavisimaja Gazeta”.

The visit of the Russian Defence Minister raises controversy in Moldova's ruling coalition

Russia's Promsvyazbank balance sheet uncovers several tons of gold during Venezuelan crisis

The State Duma plans to monitor the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia during the autumn session

News

The Turkmen army is one of the strongest in the region

According to military rankings "Global Firepower Index-2019", Turkmenistan ranks 75th out of 137 countries, according to Canews.

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The visit of the Russian Defence Minister raises controversy in Moldova's ruling coalition

Moldova's ruling coalition faces controversy over Russia's upcoming visit to Chisinau by Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu, Newsmaker reports.

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Russia's Promsvyazbank balance sheet uncovers several tons of gold during Venezuelan crisis

Promsvyazbank, a Russian base bank for executing a state defence order, unexpectedly uncovered 8 tons of gold worth about RUB 23 billion in the balance sheet, but the details were kept secret, writes The Bell.

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The State Duma plans to monitor the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia during the autumn session

The State Duma plans to monitor the situation of the Russian-speaking minority in Latvia during the autumn session, writes news outlet „Nezavisimaja Gazeta”.

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The US Deputy Secretary of State visits Kazakhstan

On August 20 and 21, US Deputy Secretary of State David Heil visited Nursultan to discuss expanding economic and investment cooperation with Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin, writes Ozodlik.

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Journalists from Georgia's most popular television channel have been dismissed

On August 20 of this year, the new leadership of Georgian television channel Rustavi-2 dismissed Nodar Meladze, head of news service and several journalists, including Georgi Gabunia, who previously made harsh comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Poll: Most people in Russia see the situation as unfavourable for the future

According to the poll, where this year 62% of Russians believe that the situation in the country is unfavourable for planning their future, and only 28% said that the situation is favourable for future planning. In comparison, in 2018, 58% of respondents said that the situation was unfavourable, while 33% said that the situation was favourable for future planning.

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US and French leaders support Russia's participation in the G7 Summit in 2020

Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron support Russia's participation in the G7 summit in the US in 2020, informs television channel „CNN”.

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Kazakh officials are prohibited from using foreign-made cars

According to the order of Prime Minister Askar Mamin, in the next two years, public procurement does not intend to purchase goods produced abroad, except for those not produced in Kazakhstan, writes Lenta.

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A new President of the Constitutional Court is elected in Moldova

Vladimir Curkan, former MP for the pro-Kremlin Socialist Party, was elected President of the Constitutional Court of Moldova on 19 August, Newsmaker reports.

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Opinions

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INTERNET CONTROL IN RUSSIA. Part I

According to a survey conducted by the Russian Sociological Research Centre “Levada-Centr” in October 2018, with 1,600 respondents aged 18 and over, 76% of the population use the Internet in Russia as a whole (from “daily” to “less than once a week”) but 57% use the Internet every day.

Changes in Russian AF officers Corps after Russian aggression in Ukraine and military operation in Syria. Part III

Since its inception in 1992, the Russian AF has mainly operated in the territory of Russia and its neighboring countries. Russian AF personnel has been involved in UN authorized peacekeeping missions such as Bosnia, but the extent of this involvement was not significant and limited to the use of Land Forces (LF) and helicopters. That is why Russian military intervention in Syria, which was officially launched on 30 September 2015, was the first major Russian military operation outside the post-S

Changes in Russian AF officers’ Corps after Russian aggression in Ukraine and military operations in Syria. Part II

The reformed Russian Corps of Officers of the AF demonstrated their capabilities in February 2014 when it planned and implemented a military operation during which Crimea was occupied. By using the available resources skillfully, the Russian AF, in a short time without loss of military personnel, took over the strategic objects on the peninsula and disarmed Ukraine's AF, which one month later allowed Moscow to implement the annexation of Crimea.

Countries

Russian Federation

Russia's Promsvyazbank balance sheet uncovers several tons of gold during Venezuelan crisis

Promsvyazbank, a Russian base bank for executing a state defence order, unexpectedly uncovered 8 tons of gold worth about RUB 23 billion in the balance sheet, but the details were kept secret, writes The Bell.

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The State Duma plans to monitor the situation of Russian speakers in Latvia during the autumn session

The State Duma plans to monitor the situation of the Russian-speaking minority in Latvia during the autumn session, writes news outlet „Nezavisimaja Gazeta”.

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Domestic policy

Poll: Most people in Russia see the situation as unfavourable for the future

According to the poll, where this year 62% of Russians believe that the situation in the country is unfavourable for planning their future, and only 28% said that the situation is favourable for future planning. In comparison, in 2018, 58% of respondents said that the situation was unfavourable, whi...

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US and French leaders support Russia's participation in the G7 Summit in 2020

Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron support Russia's participation in the G7 summit in the US in 2020, informs television channel „CNN”.

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Belarus

Domestic policy

A new Deputy Head of Ideological Affairs of the Belarusian Presidential Administration has been appointed

This year on August 19, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko appointed Andrey Kuncevich as Deputy Head of Presidential Administration, informs TUT.BY.

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Domestic policy

Belarus has a potential presidential election date

Lidia Yermoshina, Chairwoman of the Central Election Commission of Belarus (CEC), has named August 30, 2020 as the date for the presidential election, informs news agency „Belta”.

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Visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Belarus

On July 31 and August 1, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid an official visit to Minsk, „Canews” writes.

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Poll: Half of the Russian population is positive about Alexander Lukashenko

Slightly more than half of the Russian population is positive towards Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, citing the results of a survey conducted by the Sociological Research Organization "Fond Obshchestvennova Mneniya" (FOM), informs news outlet „RIA Novosti”.

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Ukraine

Domestic policy

The real decision-maker in Ukraine has become the head of the President's Office, the release states

Andriy Bohdan, head of the President's Office, has become the real decision-maker in Ukraine, reports Novoye Vremya.

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Domestic policy

High-level official detained in Ukraine

On August 14 of this year, Yury Grimchak, Deputy Minister of Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons, and his assistant, whose identity is not disclosed, were detained by staff of the SBU and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, writes RBK-Ukraine.

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Volodymyr Zelensky facilitates Ukrainian citizenship for Russian citizens and foreign volunteers

On August 13 of this year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an order granting preferential Ukrainian citizenship to foreigners who have fought in the Ukraine for an anti-terrorism or Joint Forces operation in Donbass and for Russian citizens persecuted for political reasons in their hom...

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Domestic policy

Petro Poroshenko interrogated by Ukrainian law enforcement authorities on alleged tax evasion

Petro Poroshenko, Fifth President of Ukraine, was questioned on 12 August of this year as a witness in a criminal case filed by the Ukrainian State Investigation Bureau concerning alleged tax evasion through the acquisition of „Prjamij”, Kommersant reports.

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Moldova

Domestic policy

The visit of the Russian Defence Minister raises controversy in Moldova's ruling coalition

Moldova's ruling coalition faces controversy over Russia's upcoming visit to Chisinau by Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu, Newsmaker reports.

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Domestic policy

A new President of the Constitutional Court is elected in Moldova

Vladimir Curkan, former MP for the pro-Kremlin Socialist Party, was elected President of the Constitutional Court of Moldova on 19 August, Newsmaker reports.

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Domestic policy

The Moldovan Parliament supports the return to a proportional electoral system

On 15 August of this year, the Moldovan Parliament voted in its third (final) reading to return to a mixed electoral system, Newsmaker reports.

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Domestic policy

Moldova's ruling coalition faces first public controversy

Moldova's ruling coalition faces first public controversy, „Newsmaker” reports.

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Georgia

Domestic policy

Journalists from Georgia's most popular television channel have been dismissed

On August 20 of this year, the new leadership of Georgian television channel Rustavi-2 dismissed Nodar Meladze, head of news service and several journalists, including Georgi Gabunia, who previously made harsh comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Recent biggest NATO exercise „Agile Spirit 2019” launched in Georgia

This year on 27 July, „Agile Spirit 2019”, a large-scale military exercise involving military units from 14 nations, including NATO member states, was solemnly opened at Georgia's military base in Senaki, near the border with Abkhazia. In June 26, writes „Kommersant”.

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The Georgian President points to the need for a new level of Geneva talks

The Georgian President points to the need for a new level of Geneva talks, even though Georgia faces many challenges - frozen conflicts, the 2008 war, 20% of Georgia's territory is occupied, there is constant tension on the demarcation line, the current crisis of relations with Russia - it has never...

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The EU considers Moscow's ban on flights to Georgia to be unjustified

The EU considers "disproportionate and unjustified" Russia's ban on flights to Georgia, mentioned this year on 3 July, in a statement by the official representative of the EU External Action Service.

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Armenia

Current situation

Armenia is negotiating with Russia on its participation in the construction of a new nuclear power plant

Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan announced at the UN conference in New York that the Government of Armenia is negotiating with Russia on its possible participation in the construction of a new nuclear power plant (NPP) in the Republic, this year on July 17, news outlet „Novosti-Armenia”...

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The EU and the Eastern Partnership countries are unable to agree on the text of the final declaration

The EU and the Eastern Partnership countries have not been able to agree on the adoption of the final declaration text for the decade of the Eastern Partnership program, citing a diplomatic source in one of the CIS countries, this year on May 14, TASS writes.

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Domestic policy

Armenian MEPs support the government's decision to reduce the number of ministries from 17 to 12

Armenian members of parliament, this year on May 8, supported the government's decision to reduce the number of ministries from 17 to 12, informs Kavkazskiy Uzel.

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A member of the power party suggests restricting the broadcasting of several Russian television channels in Armenia

Narina Tuhikyana, a member of the Armenian ruling faction My Way, at a meeting of the Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Diaspora, Youth and Sport, which reported on "The Operation of the National Television and Radio Commission in 2018" raised the issue of limiting broadcasting to s...

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Azerbaijan

Current situation

„Bloomberg” publishes footage of former head of Azerbaijan's International Bank, Jahangir Hajiyev, in the UK

US news agency „Bloomberg” published material about former Azerbaijani International Bank manager Jahangir Hajiyev, his spouse Zamira Hajiyeva and daughter Leila Mahmudov, as well as companies that helped Azerbaijani money go to the UK to buy real estate. On August 31, informs Azerbaijan news releas...

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Domestic policy

Next year, another residential building for Azerbaijani journalists will be put into operation in Baku

Next year during National Press Day (to be celebrated in July), in Baku it is scheduled to put into operation another residential building for journalists, this year, on July 19, in reference to Vugar Safarli, Executive Director of the National Media Development Support Foundation, „Trend” informs. ...

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The EU and the Eastern Partnership countries are unable to agree on the text of the final declaration

The EU and the Eastern Partnership countries have not been able to agree on the adoption of the final declaration text for the decade of the Eastern Partnership program, citing a diplomatic source in one of the CIS countries, this year on May 14, TASS writes.

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The Great Patriotic War veterans in Azerbaijan will be awarded USD 600

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in honor of the 74th anniversary of the Victory Day, has signed an order for the provision of one-off material aid to veterans of the Great Patriotic War in the amount of 1000 AZM (600 USD). Also, some categories of citizens will receive 500 AZM (300 USD), this ye...

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Kazakhstan

The US Deputy Secretary of State visits Kazakhstan

On August 20 and 21, US Deputy Secretary of State David Heil visited Nursultan to discuss expanding economic and investment cooperation with Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin, writes Ozodlik.

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Domestic policy

Kazakh officials are prohibited from using foreign-made cars

According to the order of Prime Minister Askar Mamin, in the next two years, public procurement does not intend to purchase goods produced abroad, except for those not produced in Kazakhstan, writes Lenta.

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Domestic policy

Kazakhstan will have a new Internet monitoring system

Minister of Information and Communication Dauren Abayev said a new automated monitoring system will be launched in autumn, which will detect prohibited content in Internet materials, writes „Fergana”.

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Domestic policy

Marat Sembekov has been appointed secretary of the ruling party in Kazakhstan

Marat Sembekov has been appointed secretary of the ruling „Nur Otan” (Homeland Light), who will be responsible for cooperation with the government, party factions in parliament, and coordination of the party's control service, writes „Canews”.

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Uzbekistan

Domestic policy

All Uzbek forces will have specialized "Tamerlan schools"

According to the order of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, specialized military structures „Temurbeklar maktabi” („Tamerlan Schools”) will be created in all power structures, „Fergana” writes.

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Uzbekistan will increase its production of natural gas

Uzbekistan-Russia joint venture „NaturalGas-Stream” to invest more than USD 700 million to expand natural gas in northwestern Uzbekistan, „Canews” writes.

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Kyrgyzstan will receive USD 100 million from Uzbekistan

On August 1 of this year, Bishkek was visited by Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, who discussed with Kyrgyz colleague Muhammadkali Abilgaziyev a USD 100 million loan in exchange for Bishkek's approval of a railway from China through Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan, writes „Nezavisimaja Gazeta”.

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Visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Belarus

On July 31 and August 1, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid an official visit to Minsk, „Canews” writes.

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Turkmenistan

Domestic policy

The Turkmen army is one of the strongest in the region

According to military rankings "Global Firepower Index-2019", Turkmenistan ranks 75th out of 137 countries, according to Canews.

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The first Caspian Economic Forum is held in Turkmenistan

The first economic forum of the Caspian Sea region was launched on August 12 this year in the national tourist area „Avaza” near Turkmenbashi (west of the country), writes Canews.

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Residents of the Turkmenistan capital are being punished for keeping livestock

Ashgabat residents sentenced to livestock penalties, „Fergana” writes.

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Turkmenistan plans to buy helicopters in Tatarstan

Discussions with Kazan helicopter plant management on possible supply of „Ansat” helicopter to Turkmenistan, „Seldon” writes, with reference to Albert Karimov, Minister for Industry and Trade of Tatarstan.

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Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan's debt to China reaches 30% of GDP

Kyrgyzstan debt to China reaches 30% of GDP, „Centrasia” writes.

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Domestic policy

In Kyrgyzstan, there are riots at former presidential house

On the evening of August 7, a riot broke out at the home of former President Almazbek Atambayev in Koy Tash (Chuy District, north of the republic), killing one soldier of the special-purpose unit and injuring more than 50 people from supporters of A.Atambayev.

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Kyrgyzstan will receive USD 100 million from Uzbekistan

On August 1 of this year, Bishkek was visited by Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, who discussed with Kyrgyz colleague Muhammadkali Abilgaziyev a USD 100 million loan in exchange for Bishkek's approval of a railway from China through Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan, writes „Nezavisimaja Gazeta”.

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Conflict in the Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan border area

On 22 July of this year, a conflict broke out in Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan border, killing one person and injuring more than 30, writes „Stanradar”.

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Tajikistan

Domestic policy

Northern Tajikistan restricts young people's travel to Russia

Isfar (northern Tajikistan) has limited airline ticket sales for young people of compulsory military service, Fergana writes.

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OSCE Training Centre established in Tajikistan

OSCE Explosive Ordnance Detection Centre established under Tajik Ministry of Defence, writes Centrasia.

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Tajik journalists will be paid for English language training by the US Embassy

US Embassy in Tajikistan invites local journalists and press officers from governmental and non-governmental organizations to attend English courses, „Stanradar” writes.

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Tajikistan will hold major joint military exercises with China

Joint military training of Tajikistan and China will take place shortly in the Ishkashim district (Badakhshan Province Autonomous Region, border with Afghanistan), „Canews” writes.

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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

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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Domestic policy

Abkhazia's prime minister was killed in a traffic accident

After returning from a state visit to Syria in a traffic accident in Gudaut district (Abkhazia) this year, on September 8, 71-year-old Prime Minister of Abkhazia, Gennadi Gagulia, was killed, informs news agency Lenta.

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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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South Ossetia

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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