Eurasia / News
US partner ‘has pulled out of Georgia’s Anaklia deep water port project’
Withdrawal reportedly caused by lack of government backing for country’s flagship infrastructure development. Analysts anticipate investment mothballing or arrival of Russian or Chinese stakeholders to replace Western partners.
Armenia audit finds no grounds for criminal prosecution of gold miner Lydian
Toronto-listed company’s site has been blockaded for months by protesters arguing mining will pose a threat to water resources.
Georgia’s political airwaves battle heats up with new channel announcement
Likely financier is controversial ex-defence minister turned oligarch. Meanwhile, new anti-government movement planned by TBC Bank founder.
Georgia’s main opposition TV station could fall into pro-government hands
Former owner of Rustavi 2 who regained control through the courts offers to sell broadcaster and calls for insolvency proceedings to be launched.
Reports of Turkmen president’s death prove greatly exaggerated
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, appearing in good health, gives speech at Caspian Economic Forum.
Landlocked Tajikistan pursues trade shipment access to Iran’s only oceanic port
Tehran open to negotiations to give poorest Central Asian nation and Persian-speaking ‘cousin’ route for commerce through facility shielded from US sanctions given its importance to Afghanistan.
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P&O cancels Persian Gulf cruises over Iran tensions
Tense situation heightened by UK decision to join US in escroting vessels through region.
Chinese gold miner suspends Kyrgyzstan operations after dozens injured in brawl with locals
Kyrgyz protesters seize Zhong Ji Mining’s trucks, accuse company of pollution that wiped out livestock. China demands punishment for assailants.
TV report shows Turkmen president at Hell’s Gate flaming crater as officials try to stamp on death rumours
Officials insist Berdimuhamedov is simply on holiday. Observers want conclusive evidence he’s alive.
Iran warns of response as UK joins US in mission to protect Gulf oil tankers
Observers ask if Boris Johnson government could soon widen support to back American sanctions against Iran. Tehran’s top diplomat says “Britain is an accomplice in US economic terrorism”.
Hell’s belles. Iranian court rules in favour of women motorcyclists
Iran’s traffic police to appeal against decision that could cause explosion of young women using motorbikes.
Germany says ‘No’ to US request to join naval mission to escort shipping in Strait of Hormuz
UK on the other hand may be warming to Washington’s plans with analysts noting how dependent new PM Boris Johnson could become on Americans as he tries to make his Brexit strategy work.
'Arrests of rumour-mongering Turkmen citizens' refuel speculation president is dead
Conclusive evidence Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is alive and well yet to be offered. Observers puzzle over odd behaviour of officials.
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South Korea reportedly sending destroyer to join US-led naval force protecting tankers in Gulf
UK, meanwhile, says swapping seized Iranian tanker Grace 1 for British-flagged vessel Stena Impero captured by Iran is out of the question.
Kazakhstan’s Tokayev sticking with Nazarbayev’s economic priorities says Fitch
New leader whose June arrival in office was shaken by big protests is raising social spending, targeting close-to-balanced budget and resisting further bank rescues.
Yerevan starts tackling politically charged rubbish disposal issue
Yerevan residents are furious about the piles of smelly trash in their city, but operator Sanitek says it's the fault of protesters who burned its bins.
Intrigue as ex-Georgian defence minister arrested over anti-government protests
Prior to detention, Irakli Okruashvili claimed ownership of Rustavi 2, a TV station that backs the opposition. Tug of war for new influence at broadcaster ahead of elections under way after European court decision.
Co-founders of Georgia’s TBC Bank Group step down, prepare to battle money laundering charges
Resigned chairman Khazaradze now involved in anti-government “civic movement”. Alleges prosecution “aims to stop construction of Anaklia Deep Sea Port”.
Rumours of Turkmen leader’s death contradicted by report of birthday call to Uzbek president
Behaviour of officials in Turkmenistan means, however, that speculation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has passed away will persist.
IRAN CRISIS LATEST: Tehran hints it wants to swap captured tankers with UK
Chief adviser to Iranian supreme leader, meanwhile, says Tehran will not talk to Washington over stand-off under any circumstances. Says Iranians will attack all US bases in region if White House decides to go to war.