European Forum

NEWSFLASH #4

NEWSFLASH #4

Covering the period: 4 February 2010 – 18 February 2010 

In this issue:
►European Parliament passes positive resolutions on Macedonia and Croatia
►US’ ambassador to Turkey links Armenian ’genocide’ bill to protocols
►Ankara moves to limit military's political role
►No results from first round of crisis talks between Albanian parties
►Bosnian Serb Parliament adopts controversial referendum law
►Kosovo celebrates two-year anniversary
►Petition drive for early elections by opposition parties continues in Serbia
►Armenia warns Azerbaijan against hampering Nagorno-Karabakh solution
►Belarusian regime under fire following arrests of Polish activists
►Alliance for Georgia intensifies calls for opposition unity despite signs of disagreement
►Moldova’s acting President acknowledge friction within ruling coalition
►Social Democratic Party members massively leave party to join Democratic Party of Moldova ►Russia gains military base in Abkhazia
►Russians demand resignation of Putin in several cities
►Yanukovych wins Ukrainian poll; election results suspended on Timoshenko’s appeal
►President Bakiyev enhances grip on Kyrgyzstan
►Media under increasing pressure as parliamentary elections approach in Tajikistan 

And much more news from:

ACCESSION / CANDIDATE COUNTRIES: Croatia, Macedonia, and Turkey

WESTERN BALKANS: Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia

WIDER EUROPE / NEIGHBOUR COUNTRIES: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine

CENTRAL ASIA: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan

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The Newsflash of the European Forum of Democracy and Solidarity is a bi-monthly news bulletin covering relevant political developments in Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe, and the South Caucasus. We put main accent on political party news, while at the same time attention is being given to gender issues, minority and human rights, and the process of accession to the European Union. It is sponsored by the British Labour Party through the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and is spread by e-mail to more than 500 recipients. The Newsflash is based on mass media and internal sources. Contributions and comments are highly appreciated.

ACCESSION / CANDIDATE COUNTRIES 

►European Parliament passes positive resolutions on Macedonia and Croatia
On 10 February the European Parliament (EP) approved several resolutions for three EU candidate countries. A resolution by Slovenian lawmaker Zoran Thaler urged the EU to set dates for start of membership talks with Macedonia. The document recommended that Macedonia quickly settle its name dispute with Greece. Without a solution to the issue, it will not be possible to start negotiations with the EU over the next 6 months, Spanish Minister of State for the EU Diego Lopez Garrido said. The resolution for Croatia, which was drafted by Austrian MEP Hannes Swoboda, noted that accession negotiations for Croatia could be completed in 2010. The motion commented positively on the movement toward a resolution with Slovenia on the bilateral border issue, adding that these efforts "have created the momentum to open all remaining chapters" of the accession negotiations.. Separately, the lawmakers approved a resolution on Turkey -- urging the country to ease local restrictions on civil liberties and settle its long-standing issues with Cyprus. The EP urged the country to improve the rights of women and of its Kurdish minority, adopt a new law on increasing press freedom and withdraw its troops from northern Cyprus.


Croatia

►Croatia set to open more EU accession chapters
On 16 February it was announced that Croatia will resume accession talks with the EU on 19 February and is expected to open at least two more chapters in the negotiating process, which aims for the full membership of the country in the EU. The Netherlands had expressed its reservations about the possibility of opening chapter 23 on judiciary and fundamental rights, but dropped its objections on 12 February and thus opened the way for the continuation of the accession process. Chapter 23 was seen in Croatia as one of the most crucial and difficult chapters in the membership negotiations. Several EU states objected to the opening of the chapter after Serge Brammertz, the chief prosecutor at The Hague War Tribunal expressed his dissatisfaction with Zagreb’s cooperation with the Tribunal in his latest report. He was particularly critical of Zagreb's lack of progress in locating crucial military documents needed for the Tribunal in the trial against former Croatian general Ante Gotovina. The Netherlands lifted its reservations after the confirmation that the authorities in Zagreb had confirmed to locate the necessary documents. Also, Ljubljana recently dropped its objections to opening further chapters in the accession talks and on 16 February supported the opening of two more chapters. Slovenia blocked the opening of three chapters at the last accession conference in December. 

►Croatian President-elect Josipovic regrets Tadic’s inauguration boycott
On 16 February Croatian President-Elect Ivo Josipovic reiterated that he regretted that his Serbian counterpart, Boris Tadic, would not attend his inauguration, which is scheduled for 18 February. In an interview with local media, Josipovic said that he had "extended a hand to Serbia, hoping it would be accepted by Tadic." However, Tadic decided not to attend the ceremony because Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu will be in attendance and Belgrade believes that Tadic's presence would suggest that Serbia was indirectly recognising Kosovo’s independence. Kosovo Albanians unilaterally declared independence from Serbia two years ago; Belgrade dismisses the declaration as an illegal act of secession. Josipovic has called Tadic's decision "irrational", stressing that Kosovo should not be a measure of Serbia's relations with other countries.

►Unemployment rates growing in Croatia
On 15 February it was announced that more than 300,000 unemployed Croatians were registered with the Croatian Employment Service in January. In the past month, 17,000 people lost their jobs, according to local media. The numbers match unemployment levels in Croatia from five years ago. Some experts predict that if unemployment continues to increase, the number of those without work could reach 320,000, the same as in 1999. January's unemployment rate was 6.2% higher than the rate from the previous month and 21.7% higher than in January 2009. The official unemployment rate currently stands at 14.9%. Analysts have been calling the situation serious for the past several months and unions have predicted that as many as 70,000 more people could lose their jobs over the next few months.

►Croatian PM and opposition leaders fail to agree on constitutional changes
On 9 February Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor and opposition leaders failed to find an agreement on constitutional changes. The main point of contention relates to voting procedures for the Diaspora community. Talks will continue on 19 February. The amendments, required by the country's EU accession process, need the support of two-thirds of the Parliament.


Macedonia

►Đukanović on crime case: “We don't take orders”
On 17 February, commenting on the case of Darko Šarić, wanted on an Interpol arrest warrant, Prime Minister Milo Đukanović, stated that Podgorica was ready to cooperate with all countries in combating organized crime but that it “did not take orders from other addresses“. At the same time, Serbian Special Prosecutor for Organized Crime Miljko Radisavljević stated that it is possible that Šarić, who is wanted on drug trafficking charges, is located in Montenegro, and that "Slovakia is investigating how the suspect obtained its citizenship". During the several days of a of war between Serbia and Montenegro, when it was heard that legal and police procedures represented an obstacle in cooperation between Belgrade and Podgorica on the Šarić case, it appears that his associates, who were each released from custody in Montenegro after being arrested, have benefited the most. After this, the Montenegrin PM repeated that his country "was not treated as a partner in the fight against organized crime". Meanwhile, the Slovak Interior Ministry is also dealing with Darko Šarić, investigating how a man wanted by Interpol managed to receive its citizenship. Slovakia has announced that they were working closely with Serbian police on this case. Šarić is a Montenegrin native. His gang is suspected of attempting to smuggle more than two tons of cocaine from South America to Europe. 

►All-Albanian coalition idea in Macedonia discarded
On 12 February it was announced that the main ethnic Albanian parties in Macedonia have expressly rejected the idea of forming an all-Albanian coalition to stand in opposition to the ruling party of Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. The proposal came from the leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA) Menduh Thaci. In an interview he said that the DPA is ready to form an all-Albanian block if Gruevski’s Albanian coalition partner, the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) ends its support for the ruling party. Tahir Hani, a legislator from the DUI, also referred to the unsuccessful attempt to form an all-Albanian block in 2002, a move which Thaci opposed at the time. Thaci argued that Gruevski’s centre-right government has made a practice of discriminating against ethnic Albanians, which make up a quarter of the country's population, by waging an ethno-centrist policy that pleases only the Macedonian majority. The EU and U.S.’ ambassadors to the country, Erwan Fouere and Phillip Reeker, respectively, recently slammed Thaci for his statement that Macedonia could soon experience war if the oppression of the ethnic Albanian minority continued. They called his statement “irresponsible” for a politician of his profile. 

►Macedonia to present “name” strategy
On 9 February Macedonian President George Ivanov announced that Macedonia will present a structured state strategy at the coming meeting with the UN “name” mediator, Matthew Nimetz, in Skopje on 23 February. He noted that top state officials were in constant coordination with Nimetz and that Macedonian negotiator Zoran Jolevski had already forwarded him the latest Macedonian positions on the name issue. "Nimetz is well aware of Macedonian and Greek positions, and he will probably present the steps that the two countries need to undertake in order to reach a solution," Ivanov said. Nimetz will pay a visit to Skopje on 23 February for talks with Macedonian authorities. Skopje and Athens are locked in an 18 year long row over the use of the name Macedonia. Athens insists that Skopje’s formal name, Republic of Macedonia, implies territorial claims against its own northern province with the same name. Due to the unresolved spat, Athens in December prevented Skopje from getting the desired date for start of its EU accession talks, thus effectively blocking its EU integration. Nimetz is expected to launch a fresh round of talks between the two countries. His visits last autumn did not produce any movement towards a solution. At the time, media speculated that some version of the name “Republic of Northern Macedonia” was discussed as a possible compromise. Spain, the current holder of EU’s Presidency, believes that progress in the Athens-Skopje talks can be made soon. 

►Finance Minister: “Macedonia leaving recession behind”
On 8 February Macedonian Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski said that the Macedonian economy will come out of recession in the first quarter of 2010. He based his optimism on the positive results shown in the final months of last year, saying that this trend should continue. “Considering the data from the last two months of 2009, i.e. the industrial production growth of 4% in November and 20% in December, Macedonia’s economy has actually been coming out of recession,” he told media. Stavreski argued that the state was able to more effectively tackle the global financial crisis because of its previous successes in 2007 and 2008, when some of the country’s debt was served earlier than anticipated. “This has decreased our indebtedness, creating better conditions for requesting additional financial support during difficult periods,” he said. Last year much of the country’s flagship metal, textile and construction industries were faced with decreased demand on the foreign markets. Some data show that the country ended the year with a drop of 2% in its annual growth rate. The country foresees an annual growth rate of some 2% in 2010, and if all goes well the country should be back to its 2008 rate of over 5% annual growth by 2011. 

►Macedonian Parliament approves declaration on Srebrenica
On 4 February the Macedonian Parliament approved a declaration in support of a European Parliament (EP) resolution condemning crimes committed in Srebrenica in 1995. According to the document, Macedonia will commemorate 11 July as a day of remembrance for the nearly 8,000 Srebrenica victims. Macedonian lawmakers stressed that full co-operation with The Hague War Crimes tribunal is a precondition for the EU integration of Western Balkan countries. The EP passed its resolution just over a year ago.


Turkey 

►US’ ambassador to Turkey links Armenian ’genocide’ bill to protocols
On 16 February it was announced that U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, James Jeffrey, warned Turkish deputies that the Armenian "genocide" bill would likely pass through the U.S. Congress in March unless the Turkish Parliament ratifies the normalization protocols. Members of the Turkish Parliament's Foreign Affairs Commission expressed their concern to Jeffrey, who earlier confirmed his full support to the normalization process between Turkey and Armenia. The commission said it was concerned that a pending resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives recognizing the 1915 events as “genocide” would destroy ongoing normalization talks. The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee is expected to discuss the related bill on 4 March. Asked before the meeting if the bill would harm the ongoing process between Yerevan and Ankara, Jeffrey replied: “We give full support for the [normalization] process between Turkey and Armenia. [..] That’s why we send this message to both countries.” Following the meeting, Murat Mercan, chairman of the commission, said, “We will do what is best for our country regardless of the outside effects.” Onur Öymen, a deputy from the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) noted the protocols would not be passed by Parliament unless Armenia withdraws from occupied Azerbaijani territories.

►Protests in Turkey mark anniversary of PKK’ s leader arrest
On 15 February about 3,000 people gathered in Diyarbakir – the city mostly populated by Kurds – to mark the 10th anniversary of the arrest of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan. The demonstrators tried to march down one of the main streets but were blocked by police, sparking clashes. Around 30 protestors were arrested. In Istanbul, around 500 people marched in support of the PKK. Police used tear gas to disperse them. 

►Baykal: “AKP wants to create partisan judiciary”
On 14 February leader of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), Deniz Baykal, criticized what he called the ruling Justice and Development Party’ (AKP) “efforts to create a partisan judiciary” in a speech at his party congress. Baykal repeatedly referred to the latest round of judicial developments in ongoing cases, and specifically the Ergenekon trials, as the AKP’s latest attempt to create a biased judicial system. “They already have their own partisan media,” he said. The CHP chief also called attention to the efforts of the workers of the former state-owned alcohol and tobacco monopoly, Tekel. “The ruling party does not take care of our workers,” Baykal said. Baykal also commented on recent discussions about how long the Presidential term should be. “[..] The Constitution said it was five years. Let the term be determined according to the Constitution that is prepared in his era,” he said. The CHP congress was expected to re-elect Gürsel Tekin, the sole candidate, as head of its Istanbul branch.

►Turkey detains 86 for suspected links to Kurdish separatists
On 13 February Turkish authorities detained 86 people in an operation against a group suspected of links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Raids took place across the predominantly Kurdish southeast of the country. Five people were also held in Turkey's capital, Istanbul. Among those detained in the operation against the Union of Kurdistan Communities (KCK) group were members of the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP). Small-scale violence erupted in other cities across Turkey on 14 February. The PKK, which launched an armed campaign against the Turkish state in 1984 for Kurdish autonomy, is branded a terrorist organization by Ankara, the EU, and the U.S.. P.M. Erdogan has vowed to expand Kurdish political rights to meet EU membership standards and end a war with the PKK that has claimed around 40,000 lives. But efforts to launch a so-called "Kurdish initiative" were dealt a blow last year when the Constitutional Court shut down a Kurdish party for what it said were links to the PKK. 

►Ankara moves to limit military's political role
On 11 February it was announced that relations between Turkey's pro-Islamic government and the secular army have entered a new era with the annulment of a controversial protocol that allows the military to take action without permission from civilian authorities. "Officials from [the military and the interior ministry] came together and have jointly annulled the protocol," Interior Minister Besir Atalay stated on 4 February. Signed in 1997 between the general staff and the Interior Ministry, the Military-Police Security Co-operation Protocol (EMASYA) was considered one of the most effective tools for the military's intervention into politics. In extraordinary situations, such as social unrest spreading to more than one province, the military was allowed to intervene without waiting to be called on by political authority. Annulment of this policy followed recent coup allegations against the military based on the "Sledgehammer Action Plan". According to reports, the plan was formulated by the Istanbul-based 1st Army in 2003, just months after the AKP came to power. The military allegedly planned to provoke the Muslim population by bombing mosques and use the protocol to quell the ensuing riots. The military denied the accusations and condemned those who believe that the army would bomb Turkish houses of worship. The annulment of EMASYA, however, is seen as a first step in a plan to limit the military's role in politics. Both the EMASYA and the Turkish Armed Forces’ (TSK) internal service law have been under EU scrutiny. In an EU progress report on Turkey last year, officials noted "No change has been made to TSK or to the Law on the National Security Council. "Since the AKP has formed the government, the civilian-military row has been escalating. The military want to block the AKP. 

WESTERN BALKANS 

►Conference on Western Balkans probably to take place in spring
On 16 February EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton and Slovenian PM Borut Pahor agreed that an international conference on the Western Balkans, which will likely be held in late March in Slovenia, would be a significant event for the region. During talks in Slovenia, Pahor pointed out that the proposed meeting "will be crucial in several aspects". "The goal of this conference is to look for solutions to some of the open issues in the region," local media quoted Pahor as saying. He added, however, that expectations should be measured. The conference, which would be the first meeting of all the political leaders in the region in 18 years, is an initative of Pahor and his Croatian counterpart, Jadranka Kosor. Kosovo representatives are also scheduled to attend the event but will be “represented in an appropriate way," Pahor said. Meanwhile, on 18 February, Ashton arrived in Sarajevo at the start of her three-day tour of the Western Balkans. During her stay in the region, she is expected to visit Bosnia, Serbia and Kosovo for meetings with political leaders and civil society representatives. Ashton will also visit the EU missions in the region, such as its rule-of-law mission in Kosovo (EULEX). Ahead of the visit, Ashton described the Western Balkans as “a major foreign policy priority for the EU”. “[..] Europe’s door is open to the whole region, when the conditions have been met,” she added.


Albania

►Human rights group praises Albanian anti-discrimination law
On 16 February Human Rights Watch (HRW) applauded a recently adopted law against discrimination as an important step to guarantee equality for all. "The government has had a leading role to ensure equality," HRW said in a letter to PM Sali Berisha. The legislation, adopted earlier this month, protects Albanians from all forms of discrimination, including sexual prejudice. The HRW assisted Albania in drafting the measure. 

►No results from first round of crisis talks between Albanian parties
On 13 February Albanian PM Berisha and Socialist opposition leader Edi Rama sat in a meeting sponsored by President Bamir Topi in an attempt to resolve the country’s political stalemate. After the meeting Topi said that a compromise had not been achieved but both leaders had agreed to continue the negotiations. “[..] The most positive aspect comes from the fact that both parties are predisposed to dialogue,” Topi said. The meeting was achieved after intense negotiations between EU and US’ ambassadors in Tirana and both Rama and Berisha. After the meeting Rama said he would not give up his request for the ballot recount, which Berisha has stubbornly rejected. He argues that the opposition has exhausted all legal options and that he cannot override the judicial process. Vice PM Ilir Meta said that the negotiations should in any case not involve ultimatums. After months of harsh accusations, Berisha and Rama are still locked in a dispute over the June Parliamentary elections, which Berisha’s right-wing Democratic Party narrowly won. Socialist MPs have boycotted parliamentary sessions since September, claiming the poll was marred by fraud and seeking a ballot recount. The OSCE, however, said the process showed progress compared to previous polls. Yet the politicization by both the parties of the ballot counting process remains a points of serious concern. 


Bosnia-Herzegovina 

►EP delegation calls for constitutional changes in Bosnia
On 16 February the 12th inter-parliamentary meeting between Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the European Parliament (EP) ended in Sarajevo. Members of the EP delegation urged the country to proceed with constitutional changes, saying it would help BiH institutions meet EU obligations for integration. Delegation head Eduard Kukan told journalists that BiH should amend its constitution to the European Convention on Human Rights and scrap discriminatory provisions against minorities in line with a recent decision by the European Court of Human Rights. There is enough time, Kukan said, for authorities to approve the changes before the general elections in October.

►Karadzic appeal of defence attorney rejected
On 15 February the Appellate Chamber of the Hague Tribunal rejected Radovan Karadzic's appeal against the appointment of Richard Harvey as reserve defence attorney. Karadzic, the former president of Republika Srpska and supreme commander of its armed forces, asked the Hague Tribunal in January this year to let him personally select his reserve defence attorney. The Hague Prosecution has charged Karadzic with genocide committed in Srebrenica and other municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and crimes against humanity. Karadzic's trial began in October, 2009, with the Prosecution's opening arguments, but the indictee refused to attend the hearings, claiming he needed "additional time to prepare his defence". In November the Registrar's Office, acting on a decision issued by the Trial Chamber, appointed Harvey as Karadzic's attorney. This did not prejudice the indictee's right to represent himself if he stopped "boycotting the trial". Karadzic filed several objections to the attorney appointment decision, claiming that the Office of the Registrar had offered him a list containing only five attorneys. The Trial Chamber rejected Karadzic's appeal, but Karadzic filed an appeal with the Appellate Chamber. The trial of Radovan Karadzic is scheduled to continue on March 1, 2010.

►EP Rapporteur says BiH could get visa liberalisation in July
On 15 February the European Parliament (EP) rapporteur on visa liberalisation for the Western Balkans, Tanja Fajon, said BiH has made significant progress in implementing conditions in its EU visa liberalisation road map. In an interview, Fajon said she expects the country to get a positive evaluation and recommendation from the European Commission, which means being added to the Schengen White List in early April. If so, she said, the EP and the EU could complete procedures required to scrap visa requirements somewhere in July. Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro were included in the EU visa liberalisation regime last December. 

►Bosnian Serb Parliament adopts controversial referendum law
On 10 February the Parliament of Republika Srpska (RS) adopted a controversial law that will make it easier to hold referendums on divisive issues. Although the law only regulates technical issues, such as the manner in which a referendum can be called, it provoked strong reactions from Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) leaders, who said it was setting the ground for RS’ secession from BiH. Zlatko Lagumdzija, leader of the Social Democratic Party of Bosnia (SDP), said that a referendum without the decision of BiH’s Parliament would undermine the Dayton Agreements. Although any referendums held only in the Serbian part of the country would not be legally binding for the Bosnian government, their outcomes could be politically and socially explosive. The first referendum on the table will measure public support for the Dayton Peace Accords and for the work of the international community’s High Representative to BiH, Valentin Inzko. Inzko, who has the power to impose laws in Bosnia, has said that a referendum questioning elements of the Dayton accords would violate the constitution and the peace agreement itself. RS PM, Milorad Dodik, repeated a day earlier in Parliament that the law was not a step toward the secession of the Serb entity in BiH, that it was a reflection of RS' constitutional right to arrange that area, and that it was not contrary to the Dayton accords. Earlier, however, he threatened to hold a referendum on RS’ secession from BiH. The debate in Parliament grew heated on 9 February with opposition parties insisting the measure should include provisions for mandatory referendums in specific cases, such as amending the constitution. Bosniak lawmakers walked out of Parliament refusing to participate in the two-day discussion on the law. The next day, however, they returned to the Parliament. Bosnian Serbs first announced plans to hold a referendum in December, 2009, following the decision by Inzko to extend the mandate of international judges in BiH. The Bosnian Serb government rejected Inzko’s decision saying it would call for a referendum to allow the citizens of RS to decide on the issue. Under the Dayton agreement, Bosnia was divided into two autonomous entities – the Serb-dominated RS and the Croat-Bosniak federation. The same day, US Ambassador to BiH Charles English reiterated that the referendum issue in the entity of RS is sensitive, adding the U.S. would consider provocative any issue that endangers the country's stability and sovereignty. 

►Bosnia, Croatia agree on mutual recognition of verdicts
On 10 February Bosnia (BiH) and Croatia signed an agreement on the mutual recognition and enforcement of final court verdicts in criminal matters, which should prevent convicted criminals from escaping justice. "In the past, convicted criminals were allowed to choose whether or not they wanted to serve their sentence, now they will only have the choice of whether to serve it in Lepoglava or in Zenica," Croatian Justice Minister Ivan Simonovic said in reference to prisons in his country and in BiH respectively. The agreement will prevent people who hold dual citizenship of BiH and Croatia from escaping to one country after being sentenced in another. Under the previous agreement, convicted criminals had to give their consent in order to serve their sentences in the country to which they fled. At the same time, the laws of the two countries forbid them from extraditing an individual who holds the country's citizenship. That is to say, laws prevented Bosnia from extraditing a criminal convicted in Croatia if he held Bosnian citizenship, and vice versa for Croatia. According to local media, who reference police sources, the lack of agreements between the three countries on the enforcement of final court verdicts has resulted in more than 200 sentenced criminals moving about with impunity.

►BiH, Serbia restore full diplomatic relations
On 9 February Serbia fully normalised diplomatic relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). "[…] Serbia did give official agreement to the ambassador to come to Belgrade and represent BiH," Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said at a joint conference with his Bosnian and Turkish counterparts, who initiated the talks last October. "We want to solve all disputes in the Balkans through diplomatic means and reach for regional prosperity and stability", said Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. The breakthrough was another sign of Turkey's increasing influence throughout the Balkans. With Turkish prodding, Serbia's approval of a Bosnian ambassador ended three years of diplomatic problems between Serbia and its neighbour. The countries have diplomatic relations and maintain embassies in one another's capitals. But due to Serbian rejections of ambassadorial nominees, BiH has been represented in Belgrade at the level of charge d’affaires since 2007. Repairing this issue comes at an especially sensitive time. There is international concern about the stability of ethnically divided BiH. Bosnian Serb lawmakers have discussed plans to remove obstacles to a plebiscite, sparking fears of a deepening rift between the two entities, RS and the Muslim-Croat Federation of BiH. Davutoğlu expressed hope that this positive step between Serbia and BiH would help strengthen peace and harmony -- however fragile -- inside BiH. Turkey has long declared support for the integration of all Balkan countries to NATO and the EU. 


Kosovo

►Kosovo celebrates two-year anniversary
On 17 February Kosovo celebrated its two years of independence. Festive celebrations in Pristina were monitored by EU officials, who have a deep engagement in the country. Since the former southern Serbian province declared independence from Serbia in 2008, it has sought official recognition by the world as Serbia refused to accept its legitimacy. Serbia secured a hearing at the International Court of Justice last year over the legality of the declaration. The decision is expected this summer. In Belgrade, Serbian Minister for Kosovo Goran Bogdanovic said only 65 of the 192 UN members have recognized Kosovo. Political leaders, civil society activists and US Ambassador, Christopher Dell, told local media that there had been successes and setbacks in the past two years. The impoverished country of 2 million is heavily reliant on foreign aid, which accounts for 15% of its GDP, statistics show. Deputy PM Hajredin Kuci said that improving “economic and social welfare’ was a challenge, but that the government had made this one of its priorities for 2010”. The country has been lambasted by the EU for its failure to tackle the problem of high-level corruption and, more recently, by the American ambassador who said that “corruption, violence and abuse go without redress.” Kosovo’s President Fatmir Sejdiu said on the festive day that Kosovo still faced a ‘bumpy road’ towards the EU and NATO, and added that his country’s main objective for its third year was ‘speedy integration into both institutions’.

►Court orders new round of voting in Gjilan, Kosovo
On 16 February the Supreme Court decided that a third round of voting is necessary in the eastern Kosovo town of Gjilan to elect a new mayor. The court supported the recommendations of the Election Complaints and Appeals Commission, which is in charge of managing the election process. The commission found irregularities in the original vote. A mid-December run-off pitted Democratic Party candidate Qemajl Mustafa against Fatmir Rexhepi, of President Fatmir Sejdiu's Democratic League of Kosovo. Mustafa says Sejdiu tried to influence the outcome, which Sejdiu denies. The Central Elections Commission will schedule the third round, in light of the Supreme Court decision. 

►Judges in Kosovo postpone controversial trial of Kurti
On 15 February a mixed panel of EULEX and Kosovo judges at the District Court of Pristina adjourned the trial of Vetevendosje (Self Determination) movement leader, Albin Kurti, for a week. Kurti is accused of participating in a crowd committing a criminal offence and taking part in a crowd obstructing officials from performing their duties during a demonstration three years ago. He is the only person being held responsible for a demonstration held on 10 February, 2007, during which two protestors died and more than 80 people were wounded. Kurti boycotted the start of his trial on 15 February to protest international missions that do not recognise Kosovo's independence. 

►Kosovo's EU visa liberalisation conditioned on repatriation
On 15 February it was announced that Kosovo's visa liberalisation process with EU countries is conditioned on the repatriation of thousands of Kosovo citizens living illegally across Europe. The government says it has already reached a repatriation agreement with several EU countries, and is in the process of hammering out agreements with Germany and Scandinavian countries. Human rights groups oppose the forced repatriation of Kosovo citizens due to poverty and difficult living conditions in Kosovo. 

► ISG supports Kosovo's strategy for north
On 8 February the strategy to bring Serb-dominated northern Kosovo legally and politically in line with the rest of the country won unanimous backing by the 25 member states of the International Steering Group (ISG) in Vienna. The ISG members will also support International Civilian Representative, Pieter Feith, and PM Hashim Thaci as they implement the strategy. Feith and Thaci briefed the ISG about the plan to dissolve Serb parallel structures in the north, establish municipalities that will act under the authority of Kosovo institutions, and install courts to restore the rule of law to that part of the country. Though they extended Feith's mandate, meeting participants decided to cut the staff of the International Civilian Office (ICO) by 15% within a few months. Minister for Kosovo Goran Bogdanović reacted to the meeting of the ICO saying that its conclusions were not binding and that they were null and void, underscoring that Serbia does not recognize the group. Feith said, meanwhile, that the strategy for Serb-dominated northern Kosovo will be forwarded to Belgrade authorities, though not for consultation.


Montenegro

►Report: “Montenegrin Djukanovic’s withdrawal not ruled out”
On 17 February it was announced that there is a "concrete plan" for the withdrawal of Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic from his political functions. Some analysts, however, say the PMs resignation is unlikely. Referring to unnamed diplomatic sources, local media presented such a plan last fall in "conversation with a high-ranking western official." The PM was reportedly requested on the occasion that Montenegro "start fighting against corruption and organised crime in a serious and more effective way." Djukanovic voiced his possible withdrawal from political and party life in an interview last December. "I don't think it is necessary to carry out my whole mandate as prime minister," he was quoted as saying. He also said he had "given enough to politics, more than 20 years". If Djukanovic will withdraw, it will be his second withdrawal since he stepped down as PM in 2006. He subsequently returned to office in February 2008. Before that departure, Djukanovic served three consecutive terms as PM, from 1991 to 1998, and was the country's President from 1998 to 2002. 


Serbia 

►Serbia's President Tadic urges countries to co-operate against organised crime
On 14 February Serbian President Boris Tadic vowed that Serbia will continue its fight against organised crime, and urged other Balkan countries to do the same. After a ceremony to mark Army Day on 15 February, Tadic called for regional co-operation against crime bosses. He added that efforts to fight corruption will continue as well. 

►Petition drive for early elections by opposition parties continues in Serbia
On 14 February, after a ceremony in Pancevo to mark Army Day, speaking about holding early elections Serbian President Boris Tadic said he expects the cabinet to complete its term, which expires in 2012. Earlier, leader of the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS), Vojislav Kostunica, said at a DSS congress that calling early elections is the main goal of his party. At a DSS congress, Kostunica accused the government of endangering the country "economically, socially, politically and morally". He ruled out, however, the possibility of creating an alliance among the largest opposition parties, as the “current level of co-operation is enough to reach the common goal of bringing down the government”. The opposition Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) is in the meantime leading a petition to force early elections, and has so far collected more than 300,000 signatures. SNS representative Nikola Selakovic said he expects to amass more than the one million signatures required. "The government does not want new elections because they are aware that their popularity is falling off, but if they have any political responsibility, the ruling parties will not be able to ignore the demand," Selakovic said. 

►Still no consensus on Srebrenica resolution
On 8 February it was announced that MPs are continuing to work on a resolution on Srebrenica, but the conditions for calling a parliamentary session have yet to be met. In order for a meeting to be called, the initiative must be supported by 84 MPs, Parliamentary Speaker Slavica Đukić-Dejanović explained. She said that the MP groups are working on the resolution actively, and that, even though there was no initiative coming from 84 MPS, the document would probably reach the parliament by early March. Consultations were held in early February between parliamentary parties regarding the resolution, while opinions still vary greatly from party to party. Đukić-Dejanović, of the ruling SPS, told local media that the terminology "was not the problem", and that she expects that the resolution will be adopted in the next 20 days. The opposition Serb Progressives (SNS) stated that the party would give its decision on whether it will support the resolution once it sees the draft. Opposition Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) official Andreja Mladenović said that the party submitted its Srebrenica resolution to parliament back in 2005. Opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) official Nenad Prokić, who took part in the same program, said that the resolution will be supported by his party only if the crimes are deemed genocide. The ruling Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) will vote for the resolution, leader Ivica Dačić said. He said that SPS will also support a resolution, "if there one", condemning all other crimes committed during the war. “Every nation should face the crimes it committed, but of course, this should not be an abolition of other countries, that have yet to do this. I would be very pleased when all the countries would have a balanced approach towards war crimes,” Dačić, who is first deputy PM and interior minister, said. 

WIDER EUROPE / NEIGHBOUR COUNTRIES 


Armenia

►Armenia warns Azerbaijan against hampering Nagorno Karabakh solution
On 17 February Armenian Foreign Minister, Edward Nalbandian, warned Azerbaijan against disregarding a basic principle of the peace plan proposed by international mediators in settling the long-running conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Nalbandian’s remarks came in response to Azerbaijani FM Elmar Mammadyarov’s statement made on 15 February, in which he stressed that “Baku sees Nagorno-Karabakh’s future status within Azerbaijan and the main issue is the solution to the problem of occupied territories and return of Azeri refugees to their former homes. “This is also expressly stated in some provisions of the Madrid document [..].” “If Azerbaijan is against this basic principle, then it obstructs the settlement process”, Nalbandian continued. “The issue of the elimination of the conflict’s consequences should be solved simultaneously with the elimination of its causes,” he added. Meanwhile, current head of the OSCE expressed “cautious optimism” about prospects of reaching peace in the Karabakh conflict during his visit to Yerevan on 15 February. Kanat Saudabayev, Kazakhstan’s FM, which currently holds the OSCE rotating presidency, emphasized the importance of building trust between the sides of the conflict.

►Armenian President submits Turkey protocols to Parliament
On 12 February Armenian President, Serzh Sarkisian, submitted to Parliament protocols aimed at normalizing relations with Turkey. The move came after Sarkisian's government approved amendments it says will make it easier for Yerevan to walk away from the deal. The accords, signed in October, are aimed at overcoming a century of enmity stemming from the World War I-era mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks. They must be ratified by Parliament in both countries to come into force. Sarkisian said the amendments approved by the government would allow Armenia to withdraw its signature from the protocols if Ankara dragged out the process unnecessarily. On 11 February, Turkish President Abdullah Gul assured Sarkisian that Turkey remained committed to the agreements, but did not specify when it would ratify them. Gul was responding to a letter sent by Sarkisian on 9 February in which he warned that failure to implement the protocols could roll back the "historic" rapprochement between the two countries. The protocols have been submitted to Turkey's Parliament but they have not been discussed or placed on the assembly's agenda. Turkey said that progress between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region is necessary before the protocols would be approved. Istanbul also cited a recent Armenian Constitutional Court ruling that invoked the term "genocide" as an obstacle to implementation. Yerevan, in turn, accused Turkey of seeking "artificial excuses" to avoid a normalization of ties. Some Armenian officials and pro-government politicians have suggested that if Turkey does not endorse the protocols by the end of March, Armenia may annul the agreement.


Azerbaijan

►Azerbaijani opposition bloc looks for new models of unity
On 15 February it was announced that the Azerbaijani opposition bloc is looking for new models of unity. According to Ali Aliyev, Chairman of the Citizens and Development Party (CDP), the principles according to which a new electoral bloc will be created are being discussed now. This party is presented in the ‘Azadliq’ bloc. He said the list of candidates can be put on the agenda only after the realization of the idea of a bloc. According to him, it is necessary to strengthen the parties, members of the Azadlig bloc, and those who will join a new voting bloc at the expense of other parties as the parliamentary elections are very important. If the new association is not created, Azadlig bloc will take part in the Parliamentary poll, Aliyev said. Azadliq block was established on the eve of the Parliamentary elections in 2005 by Azerbaijani Popular Front Party, Liberal, Democratic Party of Azerbaijan (DPA), and Musavat. After the elections the DPA and Musavat left the bloc. The CDP joined the bloc.

►Azerbaijani Parliamentary Speaker discusses Karabakh issue with OSCE Chair
On 15 January the Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Parliament, Ogtay Asadov, met visiting OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakh FM, Kanat Saudabayev. The talks mainly focused on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Asadov said the dispute poses a threat to regional security. He expressed hope that Kazakhstan`s Presidency in OSCE would mark progress in settlement of the conflict. The Speaker noted there was a legal basis for settlement of the conflict, so, he added, the UN Security Council had adopted four relevant resolutions. “We consider that the conflict must be resolved on the basis of the principles of international law, particularly the principle of territorial integrity of states,” he said. Asadov pointed out Azerbaijan was ready to grant Karabakh the highest status of autonomy adopted in the world, “but on the basis of the principle of inviolability of borders.”


Belarus 

►Blackmailing of pro-opposition participants in run-up to local poll
On 17 February it was announced that some oppositionists received telephone calls from people, who introduced themselves as members of the district election commission and demanded them to withdraw from the local council elections. Head of a district Belarusian Popular Front (BPF) division, Ivan Sheha, said this. Oppositionists received threats that they and their relatives could lose jobs, local media reported. Sheha said the organization proposed 10 people as candidates to the local poll. Members of initiative groups have met pressure. Sheha added that unknown people phone those who have recently joined the BPF party. The local council elections are scheduled for 25 April, 2010.

►Belarusian regime under fire following arrests of Polish activists
On 15 February Belarusian riot police arrested the leader of the Union of Poles in Belarus (ZPB), Angelika Borys, along with around 40 other activists. The sweep follows a raid on the union's headquarters in Grodno beginning of February. On 16 February, a peaceful action of solidarity with ZPB’s arrested leaders was to be held in Minsk, but was harshly dispersed by riot police, who arrested 24 oppositionists, including journalists and Belarusian political prisoners, Mikalai Autukhovich and Artsyom Dubski. The EU's Foreign Policy Chief, Catherine Ashton, condemned the crackdown on the ethnic Polish activists. She said the crackdown could affect the participation of Minsk in the Eastern Partnership, a recently-launched EU initiative to boost economic and political ties with post-Soviet states. Her comments were echoed by the president of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, a pole himself. Buzek and the Speaker of the Polish Parliament, Bronislaw Komorowski, made a joint statement: “The Belarusian authorities are conducting [..] an attack on the entire democratic opposition”. “The situation […] can lead to sanctions, including economic ones”, Buzek added. Buzek also hinted that the action could threaten financial support for Belarus, when applying for a loan from the IMF. From 2005, there have been two unions to represent the Polish minority, one recognised by President Aleksander Lukashenko and the other lead by Borys and approved by the Polish government. On 17 February new detentions of the ZPB were reported. On 18 February, a Belarusian court ruled that the headquarters of the ZPB in Ivyanets must be vacated and turned over to the pro-Minsk group. The Polish minority situation is likely to be discussed by EU FMs meeting in Brussels next week.


Georgia

►Alliance for Georgia intensifies calls for opposition unity despite signs of disagreement On 17 February Irakli Alasania’s party Our Georgia-Free Democrats (OGFD) rejected a proposal by its two partners from Alliance for Georgia to have consultations with all the opposition parties, except of ex-PM Zurab Nogaideli’s party, on selecting a single opposition candidate for Tbilisi mayoral race. Leaders of New Rights (NR) and Republican parties, Davit Gamkrelidze and Davit Usupashvili, respectively, convened a press conference on 17 February and announced that they were ready to engaged in consultations based on a formula “all minus one” – referring to Nogaideli’s Movement for Fair Georgia. Usupashvili and Gamkrelidze made the joint statement solely on behalf of their respective parties, although, according to the NR, it was pre-agreed with Irakli Alasania. The statement was made in response to Alasania’s announcement on 15 February that he wanted to engage in talks on creation of a broad opposition alliance to secure victory in the May local elections. Alasania is Alliance for Georgia’s candidate in the Tbilisi mayoral race, but he and his partners’ statements indicated that they might compromise on the matter. Few hours after the joint statement of NR and Republican parties was released, Zurab Abashidze, chair of OGFD governing body convened a separate press conference to announce that the party was ready to have consultations with “all the political parties.” Asked directly if OGFD would also like to have consultations with Nogaideli’s party, Abashidze responded: “With everyone.” He, however, also said that it in no way meant that the Alliance was splitting. “No threat of [split] poses to the Alliance. Efforts will continue to achieve a broad [opposition] unity,” Abashidze said. “Our position remains unchanged: we should get united; change of these authorities is inevitable. We will continue cooperation with all the political forces.”


Moldova 

►PSD leader opts for the abolition of the post of President
On 16 February the Social-Democratic Party (PSD) leader, Dumitru Braghis, opted for the abolition of the post of President of the Republic of Moldova. He proposed the current governing authorities the functions of the president to be handed to the Parliament, Government and Constitutional Court. “Nobody writes anything about the fact we should have a President. For example, Great Britain has no president", Braghis said. According to Braghis “only in this way, we could avoid a political crisis in Moldova and much money could be saved from the state budget. According to Braghis, most MPs in the Moldovan Parliament should be elected directly in order to insure real independence of all state powers. Also, members of the Constitutional Court, district presidents and representatives of the Supreme Court should be elected directly, according to the PSD leader. 

►Moldova’s acting President acknowledge friction within ruling coalition
On 9 February it was announced that there are some problems in the governing Alliance for European Integration coalition (AEI) that are constantly debated. But a split in the coalition is out of the question, AEI’s party leaders stated. They dispelled rumours that the Alliance is allegedly on the verge of a divorce. Moldova’s acting President, Parliament Chairman and Liberal Party Chairman Mihai Ghimpu stated, for instance, “These are all insinuations being spread by the Communist opposition. No, everything is smooth in the Alliance”. PM and head of the Liberal Democratic Party Vlad Filat, was not that triumphant, remarking cautiously, “[..] Yes we have different viewpoints on some questions, and we even have hot discussions, but all our actions are in solidarity with other AEI parties, and all we do we do in citizens’ interests”. Democratic Party leader Marian Lupu said, “The actual state of things in the Alliance should neither be idealized nor dramatized. The coalitional form of governance is a hard job requiring tolerance and careful coordination of actions. We are learning how to work team-like after 8 years of the rule of one party, and we are working to strengthen our alliance”.

►Communists announce pre-election mobilisation and go over to offensive
On 8 February the opposition Moldovan Communist Party (MCP) announced a “total pre-election mobilization”. MCP Chairman, former President of Moldova Vladimir Voronin stated that the MCP “is ceasing its being in a state of strategic defence and is going over to the offensive”. The opposition leader strongly criticized the incumbent ruling parties that have united into the majority Alliance for European Integration. Voronin slashed the “traitors” and “time-servers”, who “joined our party not to work hard but to protect their private businesses”. However, he mentioned the names of only three former MCP parliamentarians, but did not mention Marian Lupu – the earliest and the important-most of all ‘traitors’, who left the MCP last June to join the Democratic Party (DPM). Voronin called upon party comrades to learn good lessons from the opposition period. He explained, “The first and chief lesson we must learn from the current situation is that the MCP, at a certain moment, lost its ability to be self-critical, lost its live ties with rank and file party members [...]. At the early Parliamentary elections last July, the Communists won merely 12 mandates and went to the opposition.

►New political party launched in Moldova
On 4 February a new political project, the Moldovan Popular Congress Party, was launched. The initiator of the project, Ruslan Popa, who introduced himself to the reporters as vice president of a Romanian company, said that a new party was needed to represent the interests of all the Moldovan people, regardless of their nationality, religion and social status. Popa criticized the present administrator for increasing the prices and charges, closing Russian mass media institutions and for the steps aimed at uniting Moldova and Romania. He stressed that under such conditions, the Communists could again come to power. Speaking about Moldova's foreign relations, Popa said that the recent warming in the relations with the U.S. should be repeated in the relations with Russia. As to the relations with Romania, he said they should be good neighbourhood relations, but Romania must sign the Border Treaty and give up its plans to unite with Moldova for good. 

►Social Democratic Party members massively leave party to join Democratic Party of Moldova On 4 February representatives of 25 territorial organizations of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), including 20 mayors, 260 district and local councillors and approximately 11 thousand members of the party, announced they would leave the party and join the Democratic Party (PDM), lead by Marian Lupu. After the negotiations with the PSD leader, Dumitru Braghis, on uniting the party with PDM had failed, the social-democratic members decided to give up the faction and join Lupu's team. In a press statement a number of leaders of territorial organizations and members of PSD's National Council asserted they "are forced by the working conditions of the party and actions promoted by the party to support Braghis’ interests, to give up political business because of the social-democratic values and leave PSD". “The many attempts to convince our party mates and Braghis on the need of unifying social-democratic forces failed”, the statement added. 


Russia 

►Russia gains military base in Abkhazia
On 17 February Russia and the Georgian region of Abkhazia signed a deal allowing Moscow to establish a military base on its soil, further raising tensions with Georgia. The agreement, which was signed by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Abkhaz separatist leader Sergei Bagapsh, will allow Russia to use and update the infrastructure of an existing military base, as well as to form a joint group of forces. Ahead of the signing, Abkhaz Deputy Defense Minister, Garri Kupalba, said the base would eventually accommodate at least 3,000 troops, including units of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) border guards. Following the signing ceremony Medvedev said that "these documents [..] meet our international obligations and provide a framework for the peaceful development of Abkhazia as an independent state." The West and NATO have repeatedly expressed concern that a Moscow-led military build-up in Abkhazia threatens Georgia's territorial integrity. "The signing is a direct violation of the six-point [ceasefire] agreement, devised by the [French President Sarkozy and signed by the Russian President," said Georgian Minister for Reintegration, Temur Iakobashvili. "This is a violation of international norms, and an attempt to maintain. the occupying forces in Abkhazia and in the Tskhinvali region [South Ossetia]." Moscow recognized both Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states following a five-day war between Russia and Georgia over South Ossetia in August 2008 that ended with the signing of a ceasefire agreement. Russia's dominance of Abkhazia has become nearly total, with about 5,000 Russian land, air, and naval troops believed to be deployed in the region.

►Human rights group alleges Kremlin violations
On 16 February Russian authorities said that four civilians killed during operations in the North Caucasus, were caught in the crossfire. But according to a human rights group, they were abducted, tortured and killed. The rights activists claim to have photos and witnesses. The Kremlin has yet to comment. The authorities claim that the civilians were accidentally caught in crossfire during a major operation against Islamic militants in Ingushetia, a region bordering Chechnya. Aleksandr Cherkasov, head of human rights group Memorial, disputes the Kremlin's version of events, claiming the civilians had multiple gunshot and knife wounds, which were photographed by local rights activists. The volatile situation in the North Caucasus region is a major domestic policy problem for Russia. Large-scale operations against the region’s militants are currently under way. One of the most sought people is Doku Umarov, the leader of the Chechen rebels. Umarov’s group have claimed responsibility for the derailing of the Moscow-St. Petersburg train in November 2009. Russian security forces have faced EU criticism for violence against citizens in the past, but have always denied the charges.

►Russians demand resignation of Putin in several cities
On 13 February an estimated two thousand people attended an anti-Putin protest in the Siberian city of Irkutsk, and another 1200 people attended an unrelated protest in the city of Samara. Both groups had harsh criticism towards the PM and called for him to immediately resign. In Irkutsk, residents, workers, and environmental activists gathered to protest the reopening of the controversial pulp and paper production company, due to environmental issues. A coalition of ecological and civic organizations organized the protest, and politicians from the local legislative assembly and Moscow showed up to support the effort. Leader Sergei Mitrokhin of the liberal Yabloko Party and co-leader Vladimir Milov of the Solidarity opposition movement were among those present. Protesters accused Putin of covering up the company’s owner unethical business practices. The city dispatched a number of armoured military vehicles to flank the demonstration. The increase in police forces was notable because of the small security presence at a January rally in Kaliningrad, where 12 thousand people staged demonstrations to demand the resignation of Putin and the local governor. The protest in Samara was initially intended to be held “in defence of constitutional rights and freedoms.” But protesters started raising their voice against rising housing and utilities tariffs. 

►Opposition parties in Russian oblast banned from local poll
On 10 February two opposition parties in Russia's Sverdlovsk Oblast were banned by the election committee from running in regional duma elections next month. Sverdlovsk regional election commission Chairman, Vladimir Mostavshchikov, said that Yabloko, one of the rejected parties, submitted 5,473 signatures in support of its application but 3,035 were deemed either "inauthentic" or "invalid," far more than the 10% threshold for invalid signatures that is allowed. Maksim Petlin, Yabloko's branch leader in the West Siberian region, said he is convinced the commission received orders from "someone above" to reject Yabloko's candidate list. He said Yabloko has filed a complaint with the Central Election Commission in Moscow and is ready to challenge the decision in court. Regional elections are scheduled for 14 March. The Sverdlovsk commission announced earlier that 80% of the signatures collected by the other rejected party, Right Cause (PD), were invalid. Unlike Yabloko, however, the PD has decided not to participate in the elections. Konstantin Kiselev, the PD's regional head, said all sponsors who had pledged to support the party in the elections have "unexpectedly" refused to finance the campaign


Ukraine

►Yanukovych wins Ukrainian poll; election results suspended on Timoshenko’s appeal
On 14 February Party of Regions leader Viktor Yanukovych, was officially declared the winner in Ukraine’s Presidential run-off held on 7 February. The Central Election Committee said Yanukovych polled 48.95% of the vote compared to 45.47% for his man rival Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who has claimed her loss was caused by vote rigging. Yanukovych urged her to concede defeat and to resign but the PM refused to do so. Claiming more than one million fraudulent ballots were cast in her rival's favour, Timoshenko will contest the result in Court on 19 February. The High Court has meanwhile suspended the election results, pending the outcome of Timoshenko´s appeal. OSCE officials called the poll nevertheless free and fair. Political scientists have said they doubt that a third round of the election could be held. "[..] The court will likely agree with some arguments about violations and, perhaps, a recount of votes will be conducted..but this will not significantly affect the result of the election”, some analyst said. Parliament earlier agreed that Yanukovych should be inaugurated on 25 February.. The Bloc of Tymoshenko (BYT) will table in Parliament a bill on the cancellation of the inauguration date. Yanukovych's supporters in Parliament are in the meantime trying to win over parties to form a new coalition and, if they succeed, a vote of no confidence in Tymoshenko's government is expected. Tymoshenko has urged her backers in Parliament to hold their nerve. Her governing coalition has a slender majority and relies on supporters of her ally-turned-rival, outgoing President Viktor Yushchenko, for a majority. Investors hope the coalition horse-trading will last only weeks and result in a stable government capable of bringing back suspended IMF lending.

►Ukrainian Parliament cancels mayor's election date of 30 May
On 16 February the Ukrainian Parliament voted for a resolution declaring invalid a Parliament resolution setting the next election of deputies to local councils, as well as the election of town and village heads in 2010. Parliament First Vice Speaker Oleksandr Lavrynovych said that MPs should decide on the date of holding local elections within a week. The committee of voters of Ukraine is opposed to the decision by the Parliament. "Understanding all of the difficulties regarding the proper preparation and holding of the next local elections on 30 May, the committee of voters of Ukraine nevertheless states that their cancellation without the appointment of a new date directly violates the Constitution of Ukraine," reads a statement by the committee. The committee noted that according to the Constitution, the term of authorities of city, town and village heads, as well as members of local councils is four years.

 
CENTRAL ASIA


Kazakhstan 

►Conference about human rights issues held in Astana
On 15 February a two-day conference co-organized by the OSCE centre started in the Kazakh capital, Astana. The conference has the aim to discuss the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) and other cruel inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, and to discuss the development of a national preventive mechanism (NPM). The event brings together some 80 participants, including officials of Kazakhstan's Presidential Administration. The main focus of the conference is to discuss the draft law developed by the Justice Ministry on establishing public control in places of detention through a national preventive mechanism, as stipulated by the OPCAT, which Kazakhstan ratified in October 2008. The conference participants will formulate recommendations for the Justice Ministry on the legal and operational aspects of implementing the OPCAT. Leading international experts from the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, the European Committee on Prevention of Torture, the Association for the Prevention of Torture and Penal Reform International will share global best practices during the conference. On 18 February the outcome of the conference was not announced yet.

►U.S. : Kazakh visit failed to address pressing human rights issues
On 8 February it was stated by US State Department officials that the visit of Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev to Washington, failed to produce any agreements on pressing human rights issues. Kazakhstan’s top priority for the visit was to gain US support for a summit of the OSCE meeting that Kazakhstan leaders hope to convene this year in Astana. Saudabayev also aimed to arrange a one-on-one meeting between US President Barack Obama and Kazakhstan chief executive Nursultan Nazarbayev in April. The United States, in return, was seeking to pressure Kazakhstan to implement some concrete measures on human rights, including a review of the controversial sentence of a human rights activist, Yevgeny Zhovtis.


Kyrgyzstan

► Kyrgyz activists demonstrate as opposition leader's appeal begins
On 11 February the Kyrgyz military court began the hearings of former Defense Minister, Ismael Isakov. At the same time it was reported that about 1,000 protesters gathered in the southern Kyrgyz Town Gulcho , to demand the release of former Defense Minister Ismail Isakov. Isakov was found guilty of corruption and sentenced to eight years in prison last month. He pleaded not guilty and said that the case against him was politically motivated because of his work with the opposition. Several of his supporters (including his 85-year-old mother) have been on a rotating hunger strike for the past three weeks demanding his release from prison. The hunger strike was suspended on 9 February.

►President Bakiyev enhances grip on Kyrgyzstan
On 15 February it was reported that amendments proposed by Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev were approved by the parliament. The constitution of the country is directly affected by the approved amendments and is enhancing and consolidating Bakiyev’s grip on power in Kyrgyzstan. The domestic security services and the Foreign Ministry will be made subordinate to the President instead of the Prime Minister. The Agency for Development, Investments, and Innovations will come more directly under control of the of the President and shall manage foreign investments in the country as well as major state assets, including energy companies and gold mines, effectively controlling the entire economy of Kyrgyzstan. The President already controls all military structures, either directly or through hand-picked proxies. His brother Zhanysh is the head of the National Guard, eldest son Marat is an adviser to the head of the National Security Services, former personal bodyguard is now defense minister, and close ally Moldomusa Kongatiev is the interior minister. Furthermore, leader of the opposition Azimbek Beknazarov, believes that the president is grooming his youngest son, Maksim to be his successor. “We have a monarchy here”, Beknazarov said. Western governments are reluctant to call Kyrgyzstan on its increasingly repressive climate, because of the country’s strategic value as a shipping hub for the coalition forces in Afghanistan.


Tajikistan

► Media under increasing pressure as parliamentary elections approach in Tajikistan
On 5 February several media watchdogs stated that the media in Tajikistan have to deal with increasing pressure from Tajik authorities. This rise of pressure against journalists in Tajikistan has according to rights groups, everything to do with the upcoming Parliamentary elections on 28 February. "There is clearly an all-out drive to intimidate news media and get them [independent media outlets] to self- censor their coverage of state authorities," the Paris-based group Reporters Without Borders said in a statement. The pro-presidential People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan (PDPT) is widely expected to retain its hammerlock on parliament in the elections on 28 February. Media rights groups stated that President Imomali Rahmon’s administration is trying to muzzle media outlets, which are not directly under the government’s control.


Turkmenistan

► Turkmenistan three years after ‘Turkmenbashi’, marked by unfulfilled promises
On 11 February several media and human rights groups made some critical remarks by the 3rd anniversary of the Turkmen Presidency of Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, who succeeded dictator Saparmurat Niyazov as leader of the country, on 11 February 2007. Berdymukhammedov's presidential victory in 2007 ushered in hope among the downtrodden Turkmen people that his predecessor's bizarre and repressive system would be dismantled. But three years later, media and several human rights groups argued that these hopes have largely gone unfulfilled, with the average citizen seeing only marginal differences between Berdymukhammedov's leadership and that of Niyazov, the iconic leader known simply as "Turkmenbashi," who reigned for more than 20 years. Although the new President appeared to start well, some would argue that virtually any changes would look democratic in comparison to the "President for life" path Niyazov had taken. But it was already becoming clear that campaign promises, like Internet access for all, and improvements to transportation and communications networks, would only be partially met. And voters also realized that they would not see the major political changes they had envisioned. The public was given access to Internet, but only at a few locations at an exorbitant price, and even then only after personal documents were shown to guards overseeing those places. No alternative political parties were recognized, leaving the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan (formerly the Communist Party of the Turkmen Soviet Republic) as the country's sole party; nor were any independent media outlets registered.


Uzbekistan

► Uzbek photographer convicted of libel
On 10 February a court in Tashkent, found Uzbek photographer Umida Ahmedova guilty of portraying her nation as "backward" in a collection of photographs and a documentary she made depicting people's lives in rural Uzbekistan. Uzbek officials called the photographs and documentary "insulting" and "damaging to the country's image." Ahmedova was arrested on 16 December and charged with defamation and damaging Uzbekistan's image with a series of photos and videos she took in remote villages that she used for the documentaries "The Burden Of Virginity" and "Customs Of Men And Women." The films focus on poverty and gender inequality in Uzbekistan. The International Association of Art Critics (AICA) have launched a campaign to support her, calling on the Uzbek authorities to acquit her. The organization's appeal was signed by nearly 1,000 artists, art critics, journalists, and rights activists from around the world. The court granted Ahmedova amnesty after the verdict was announced. She could have been sentenced to six months in prison or up to two years in a labor camp.

Edited by: Marianna Tsirelson and Jan-Kees Oppelaar
For comments or to (un)subscribe, contact us at info@europeanforum.net 

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www.turkishdailynews.com.tr
www.turkmenistan.gov.tm
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