By Anar Valiyev and Yusuf Valiyev (1/26/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: Ever since the demise of the Soviet Union, the relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia have been continually cordial. Both countries shared similar problems including ethnic separatism, an aggressive Russian policy in the South Caucasus, the rapid polarization and marginalization of both societies, as well as weak democratic institutions. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project gave an impetus to the strengthening and deepening of economic, political, and cultural ties.

By Nazgul Baktybekova (1/12/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: On 6 January a District Election Commission in Bishkek officially registered Kyrgyz opposition figure Roza Otunbaeva as a candidate for parliamentary elections scheduled for 27 February. However, a few hours later members of the same District Election Commission were called for an extraordinary meeting where they overturned their previously accepted decision. The cancellation of opposition figure’s registration was explained by absence of a quorum at the initial meeting.

By Robert L. Larsson (1/12/2005 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: When Mikhail Saakashvili took office in January 2004, he appointed a cabinet of young, western-educated and reform-minded disciples to tackle Georgia’s numerous problems. However, by June 2004, Saakashvili had made his first major reshuffle. Within the security sphere, General Prosecutor Irakli Okruashvili became Interior Minister, Interior Minister Giorgi Baramidze became Defense Minister, the Head of the National Security Council (NSC) Vano Merabishvili became Security Minister, Defense Minister Gela Bezhuashvili became Head of the NSC, and Security Minister Zurab Adeishvili took over as General Prosecutor.