ESTONIA
Commentators describe Vladimir Putin's speech at the Munich security conference as evidence of Russia's desire to restore its great-power status and return former-Soviet countries to its orbit. "It would be naive to assume that Putin wants to reduce U.S. influence in order to promote democracy and encourage nations to respect each other's interests. Why then is Russia using its energy reserves as a political weapon itself? Russia is overcoming its long-time economic weakness. This has reduced the former superpower to a state of relative insignificance, and Russia has taken it very badly. It wants to restore its role, and this is what Putin meant." (Eesti Paevaleht, February 12).
"Before, Russia was borrowing from the U.S. such notions as 'pre-emptive strike' or 'counterterrorist struggle'; now it is no longer copying anything and wants to establish stronger positions in the world..." "If we count only on the UN, as suggested by Putin, Estonia will not have a chance to be heard because of Russia's veto in the Security Council. In NATO and the EU Estonia has some opportunity to influence decision-making. The concept of a multi-polar world would automatically leave Estonia in Russia's sphere of influence." (Postimees, February 12).
LATVIA
The media view Putin's speech in Munich as a consequence of Russia's desire to develop equitable relations with the European Union and the U.S., and its inability to do so. "Putin's speech has demonstrated Russia's weakness - it wants full-fledged relations with the West and respect in the world arena but cannot achieve either." (Diena, February 12).
Journalists believe that recent events point to a growing mutual distrust and chill in Russia-West relations. "Putin's policy has indeed started to produce results, turning Russia from Western democracy's raw-material-supplying appendage into a strong state which is actively destroying Pax Americana - the idea of a unipolar world where everything is good only if it is good for America... Moreover, U.S. apprehensions that Vladimir Putin's successor will continue his line towards strengthening the state are compelling Washington to retaliate now." (Chas, February 9).
"The rhetoric of U.S. and Russian politicians has reverted to the Cold War times... Pentagon chief Robert Gates has let the genie out of the bottle with his speech [at Congressional hearings]." (Telegraf, February 2). "In his peculiar manner, Putin has told the world that Russia has woken up from its post-Soviet stupor and wants to be respected as a nuclear state and an energy-controlling superpower with its own interests... It is amazing that commentators from democratic countries perceive Russia's desire for equality as a declaration of a new Cold War." (Neatkariga rita avize, February 13).
LITHUANIA
The press has focused on the Kremlin's alleged attempts to groom a successor for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. "Moscow tolerated the bull-headed Belarusian leader for a long time, but the lid has come off; it is no longer possible to come to terms with him. This impedes Russian-Belarusian unification, which has made little progress in the last eight years and is damaging Russia's entire economy. Russian oil and gas pass through Belarus, and if Minsk decides to close the tap, its big neighbor may sustain considerable financial losses. Under the plan, the future leader of Belarus will be loyal enough to Moscow to complete unification in the near future. All the details of this plan are not yet known." (Lietuvos zinios, February 7). "The subject of Lukashenko's successor is so popular in Russian circles that one can score points with it." (Penki.lt, February 7).
The media have been covering in detail all obstacles to the laying of the Nord Stream gas pipeline. They attribute the refusal of the European Investment Bank to fund the project to pressure from Central Europe. Gazprom, as well as Germany's E.ON and BASF, are counting on Nord Steam to begin operation in 2010. But this is an optimistic date. Sweden may ask for a revision of the planned 1,195 km route linking Russia and Germany because part of it passes through the Swedish maritime economic zone." Verslo zinios, February 12).
UKRAINE
Commentators are disappointed in the adoption by parliament of a law prohibiting the sale of Ukraine's main strategic asset: the gas transportation system (GTS). This law does not so much reaffirm the pipe's sacred status as it kills hopes for energy security and buries all projects involving Western participation. Journalists note that in addition, Moscow may retaliate with higher gas prices. "It will no longer be possible to tempt Russia and Europe into gas cooperation. It would make more sense to develop the GTS rather than turn it into a sacred cow... The law will speed up Ukraine's advance toward European gas prices." ("2000", February 8).
The media are indignant at the Russian president's attempt to explain the gist of bilateral gas agreements and the need for RosUkrEnergo to serve as a go-between. "The Russian president has painted an idyllic picture in which two Slavic neighbors have united for Europe to have enough gas... He has put his Western partners on the horns of a dilemma: Do they want to get reliable gas supplies, or would they like to talk about the alignment of forces in RosUkrEnergo? Nobody chose the latter option." (ProUA, February 12).
MOLDOVA
Journalists are convinced that Chisinau should side with the West in the escalating confrontation between Russia and Europe. "As a rule, small countries like Moldova are sacrificed in these clashes on a big chessboard. Our appeals to Europe for additional aid are therefore more than justified. Our Western neighbors should be more open." (Moldova Suverana, February 13).
The recent statement by the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy has alarmed the press. Javier Solana spoke about studying the possibility of deploying a joint EU-Russia peacekeeping force in Transdnestr. Journalists are concerned that this may separate Transdnestr from Moldova for an indefinite period of time, as is the case with Kosovo.
"In this case, Moscow would get a double bonus. It would save the self-proclaimed republic, putting off the restoration of Moldova's territorial integrity for an indefinite time; and Putin would be able to withdraw the current force without losing face at home, and putting a stop to Western criticism... Worried about the lack of progress and prospects for a peace settlement, the Americans and West Europeans could accept an outcome different from the one on which Chisinau has insisted for years to no avail." (Jurnal de Chisinau, February 9).
ARMENIA
Journalists have lashed out at Russia, blaming it for Armenia's economic isolation. They describe Russia's policy as "unpredictable and unwise." "All Moscow's measures against unfriendly Georgia, and less and less friendly Azerbaijan, eventually strike at Armenia... Loyalty to allied commitments dooms Armenia to growing self-isolation, making it a hostage to Russia's unpredictable relations with its neighbors." (Respublika Armenia, February 7).
The media are particularly worried about the projected construction of the Kars-Akhalkalaki railroad, which will bypass Armenia, running for 68 km in Turkey and 30 km in Georgia. Experts are hoping that the project will not be carried out. "This is not at all a disaster for Armenia, and we can wait it out until we see who wins the U.S.-EU-Russia competition in establishing their presence in the South Caucasus and in relations with Georgia. The victory of one side, or equal rules of the game, will wreck the plan of building a railroad around Armenia... The U.S., the European Union, and Russia will not tolerate Turkey's domination of the South Caucasus. (Hayots Ashkar, February 2).
GEORGIA
The media's criticism of Russia is gradually becoming more emotional and increasingly similar to statements by Georgian politicians and experts during the recent Moscow-Tbilisi crisis. "Russia has always wanted to annex Georgian territory. Our authorities should display more caution in order not to be provoked by Russia." (Sakartvelos Respublica, February 7).
AZERBAIJAN
Analyzing Putin's speech in Munich, the media conclude that in its confrontation with the U.S. and NATO, Moscow is ready to increase its military presence in the Caucasus. "Almost nobody paid attention to the following words of Putin: 'America is establishing so-called light forward bases with 5,000 men each in Bulgaria and Romania. It appears that NATO is moving its forward forces to our national borders while we do not lift a finger and continue to strictly abide by the treaty [on conventional forces in Europe].' Putin made these remarks a day after the Russian Foreign Ministry made an official statement on Russia's possible withdrawal from this treaty. There is little doubt that Moscow will reply to 'chaps in pith helmets' by expanding its force in the Caucasus... It is easy to predict that Moscow will put pressure on South Caucasian countries." (Echo, February 13).
The opposition press believes the West should give up its policy of appeasement. "In his statements in Munich, Putin expressed Russia's concern over potential unilateral U.S. action against Iran... The West should stop its policy of 'appeasing the aggressor' as regards Russia. This policy has produced deplorable results primarily for the West itself, despite the victory over Nazi Germany. After all, a good half of Europe had to be handed over to Soviet Russia's control." (Zerkalo, February 13).
KAZAKHSTAN
Discussing diversification of Kazakh oil exports, the media are warning against illusions - Kazakhstan will not be able to do without Russian pipelines to supply foreign markets with energy resources. "The bulk of Kazakh oil goes to the West via Russia for very simple geographic reasons. If by 2015, Kazakhstan produces the expected 150 million metric tons of oil a year, other routes will become important, such as between western Kazakhstan and China, and in the direction of Turkey. But even in that case, a considerable portion of oil will continue to be exported through Russia. Political scientist Yury Buluktayev referred to the idea of transporting Kazakh energy resources to foreign markets bypassing Russia as 'unwarranted ambitions.'" (Gazeta.kz, February 7).
KYRGYZSTAN
The hopes of some media outlets that Russia will introduce easier terms for Kyrgyz guest workers have fallen through. Commentators advise migrants to uphold their rights themselves. "The Kyrgyz leaders have sent specific letters to Moscow, but there has been no official reply... The main mistake of our compatriots is that they leave for Russia without the slightest idea of their rights and duties. Nobody is going to pamper them there - they should learn to protect themselves within the framework of law." (Enesay, February 7).
UZBEKISTAN
The media are unhappy about the disappearance of the Russian-language Voice of America. Commentators are concerned that the U.S. may switch its efforts to the Muslim world, although the situation with freedom of the media in Russia leaves much to be desired. They have noted that the U.S. is planning to reduce its VOA broadcasting in Ukraine and fully discontinue programs in the Georgian and Uzbek languages. "The moment is not right for stopping the broadcasts because Russia has not yet achieved much on the road to democracy... This decision was brought about by a change in Washington's foreign policy. Having cut funding for programs in former-Soviet countries, the U.S. government will increase its spending on broadcasting in the Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan." (Musulmansky Uzbekistan, February 8).
TAJIKISTAN
The media are much less critical of Russia because of its decision not to establish quotas for guest workers from visa-free countries, including Tajikistan. "This year, Russia has not used its right to set quotas for guest workers from former-Soviet and other foreign countries... Tajiks may go and register for work in Russia without any restrictions." (Avesta, February 12).
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