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Bitter campaign sours Kyrgyz democratic prospects

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KYRGYZSTAN

The election campaign became unexpectedly acrimonious as the outgoing president, who supported Sooronbay Jeenbekov, launched repeated verbal attacks on Omurbek Babanov. Jeenbekov…

Prospects for Russian politics to end-2019

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PROSPECTS H2 2019

Prospects for Russian politics to end-2019.

New Kyrgyzstan language law will raise Russia tensions

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CENTRAL ASIA

A new language law entered into force on July 18 that reflects the president's determination to promote Kyrgyz. Russia’s foreign ministry has protested. The controversy highlights…

Belarus will seek closer integration with Russia

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BELARUS

With both countries facing isolation from the West, Russia and Belarus are seeking to move closer together. The contact mechanisms of the Union State of Russia and Belarus are…

Armenian government may win risky referendum

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ARMENIA

Most notably, the constitutional amendments, if adopted, would transform governance into a parliamentary model, a departure from the prevalent post-Soviet model of a strong -- at…

Russia's Putin clarifies options but not his future

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RUSSIA

Without explicitly saying so, the proposals create a menu of options for Putin's future role now that he has made it clear he will not be president after 2024. Putin has been…

Referendum will back Uzbekistan’s new constitution

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UZBEKISTAN

Uzbeks are being asked to approve amendments that change some 65% of the country’s constitution. A key change in the draft constitution would allow incumbent President Shavkat…

Azeri leader seeks quiet re-election in Putin's wake

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AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan's early presidential election.

Belarus leader will cling on despite Russian pressure

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BELARUS

Lukashenka's comments reflect his refusal to heed strong Russian hints that his position is in difficulties. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's recent trip to Minsk was ostensibly a…

No space for Belarusian opposition in next elections

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BELARUS

There is little chance opposition parties can make an impact; the authorities' first step will be to ensure they are barely represented on election commissions. Many parties have…