Jean-Christophe Peuch

South Caucasus: Is Any Real Progress Being Made In Tackling Corruption?

In its latest global corruption survey, the Transparency International nongovernmental watchdog ranked the three South Caucasus states among countries perceived as being the most corrupt. Armenia ranked 78th among 133 countries, while Georgia and Azerbaijan -- countries where the group said corruption is "pervasive" -- trailed behind, tied at 124th place. All three regional governments have taken steps that suggest a willingness to address the issue. But how far are they ready to go?

Georgia: Groups Urge U.S. To Tie Aid To Human Rights Progress

As Georgia's new head of state Mikheil Saakashvili continues his visit to the United States, international civic campaigners say they are concerned by recent human rights developments in the South Caucasus nation. They say Washington should ensure Saakashvili takes concrete steps to improve basic freedoms before providing any more financial aid.

Georgia: Critics Say Police Violence, Media Intimidation On The Rise

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili is facing growing criticism at home over his anticorruption drive, which rights campaigners say has led to an increase in police abuses. In addition, a series of attacks against journalists are raising concerns about media freedom in the country.

Georgia: Saakashvili Sees In 'Wahabbism' A Threat To Secularism

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who has made improved ties with Moscow a top foreign policy priority, last week vowed to take urgent action to stop his country from serving as a rear base for armed separatists fighting federal troops in Chechnya. The newly elected Georgian leader today made another conciliatory gesture toward Russia, saying Tbilisi would launch a merciless fight against the spread of Islamic fundamentalism.

Caucasus: Does The Georgian-Russian Rapprochement Threaten Chechens?

Georgia's newly elected president, Mikheil Saakashvili, on an official visit to Russia, earlier this week promised President Vladimir Putin full assistance against armed Chechen separatists and called for enhanced cooperation among security services of both countries in the fight against "terrorism." The Kremlin welcomed Saakashvili's pledges, hailing the Georgian leader as a "responsible politician." Could the rapprochement between Moscow and Tbilisi represent a threat to Chechens?

Georgia: President, On Charm Offensive In Russia, Vows To Befriend Putin

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has moved a step further in his attempts at securing a rapprochement with Russia. The young Georgian leader, who has repeatedly said he wants to open a new era in bilateral ties, today met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin and vowed to seal a friendship with his host. The Russian leader has welcomed Saakashvili's offers but says he now expects the Georgian leader to put his pledges into action.

Georgia: Saakashvili In Moscow, Looking To Start Ties With A Clean Slate

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili today starts a two-day visit to Russia, which both sides hope will pave the way for a breakthrough in bilateral ties. Saakashvili is scheduled to meet President Vladimir Putin and other officials tomorrow for talks that are expected to include the fate of the two remaining Russian bases in Georgia and the situation in Chechnya.

Georgia: Saakashvili's Plans To Alter Power Arrangement Spark Criticism At Home

Less than a month after former opposition leader Mikheil Saakashvili took over from ousted President Eduard Shevardnadze, the cohesiveness of Georgia's new leadership is already under strain. In addition, the new Georgian leader -- who garnered more than 96 percent of the votes in last month's early presidential polls -- is losing the support of many backers and political allies who have begun to find fault with his management style.

Azerbaijan: Aliyev's Moscow Visit Shows Son Picking Up Where Father Left Off

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev today begins a three-day official visit to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin and top government officials. Observers expect the trip to further strengthen already warm ties between Moscow and Baku. But they say Azerbaijan's new leader is also attempting to maintain the delicate balancing act mastered by his father and presidential predecessor Heidar Aliyev -- maximizing relations with both Russia and the U.S.

Turkey: Prime Minister Gets Mixed Reviews On U.S. Visit

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan wraps up a five-day visit to the United States today. The Turkish leader and his foreign minister, Abdullah Gul, secured support for Ankara's latest initiatives toward a peaceful resolution of the division of Cyprus. They also obtained U.S. assurances that Iraq's territorial integrity will be preserved, a major concern for Turkey. But some in Turkey believe the visit did not bring as many results as may seem at first glance.

Georgia: PACE Gives Saakashvili Warm Reception But Warns Over Democratic Process

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili is in Germany today as part of a series of foreign visits aimed at gathering international support for his government. The newly elected southern Caucasus leader yesterday sought the endorsement of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The Strasbourg-based parliamentarians vowed to help their former colleague restore Georgia's democratic institutions, but urged him to urgently address a number of concerns.

Cyprus: Greek Cypriot Leader Pours Cold Water On Turkish Offer To Resume Talks

Hopes for a solution to the three-decade-old division of Cyprus were rekindled after Turkey last week said it favored a resumption of reunification talks under the aegis of the United Nations. But yesterday, such hopes were dealt a setback when the Greek Cypriot leader, breaking a three-day silence, blamed Ankara for allegedly sending contradictory signals. In Strasbourg today, Tassos Papadopoulos poured more cold water on Ankara's overtures.

Azerbaijan: PACE Lambastes Baku Over Political Prisoners, Slow Pace Of Reforms

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) today held a debate on the controversial issue of political prisoners in Azerbaijan and examined Baku's commitments to democratic standards. The debate followed the publication last week of a report by Human Rights Watch that strongly criticized Azerbaijani authorities for stepping up pressure on their opponents following last October's disputed presidential elections.

Georgia: Groups Working Toward Regime Change In Restive Adjaria

One of the main domestic challenges facing Georgia's new leaders is to find a common position with Aslan Abashidze, the strongman of the southern autonomous republic of Adjaria. President-elect Mikheil Saakashvili, who takes office on 25 January, has vowed to restore Tbilisi's jurisdiction over Georgia's Black Sea region. In the Georgian capital, opponents of Abashidze are preparing for a battle ahead of parliamentary elections they hope will bring a change of regime in Batumi, the regional capital.

Pakistan/Turkey: Musharraf Visit Focuses On Antiterrorism, Economic Issues

Turkey and Pakistan agreed today to cooperate and exchange information in the fight against international terrorism. On a visit to Ankara, Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf joined his Turkish counterpart, Ahmet Necdet Sezer, at the signing of five agreements, including one that paves the way for sharing information on fighting terrorism and organized crime.

Georgia: Solana Visits Tbilisi To Show EU's Support For New Leaders

The European Union's foreign policy and security chief, Javier Solana, was in Georgia today to discuss ways to enhance ties between Brussels and Tbilisi. It was the first visit of a high-ranking European Union official to Georgia since the opposition drove President Eduard Shevardnadze out of office last November.

Georgia: Saakashvili's Anticorruption Tactics Raising Eyebrows

Georgian President-elect Mikheil Saakashvili has made it clear that strengthening the rule of law and restoring Georgia's moribund economy are among his key priorities. The new Georgian leadership has inaugurated its mandate by declaring war on crime and corruption. Yet, the first steps made to that effect already raise questions and concerns.

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Russia: Chechen Fighters Break Through Security Cordon, Release Hostages