Viktor Yanukovich: Importance of GUAM has been lost
Viktor Yanukovich, one of the two contenders to the presidential seat in Ukraine, told the press yesterday that GUAM, a regional organization made up of Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova, "has lost its importance in a sense."
Mr. Yanukovich added that he believes GUAM is ineffective and that it has not engaged in any significant activities for five years.
GUAM is viewed by Russia as a rival organization to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Georgia and Ukraine have been, at times, vocal opponents of the Kremlin and have tried to turn the organization into a more active regional institution. When the Communists were in power, Chisinau was lukewarm toward GUAM.
Mr. Yanukovich is viewed by many analysts in Moldova as more pro-Russian than his rival Yulia Timoshenko. His victory could have an impact on Ukraine's foreign policy toward Chisinau. Moldova wants a reliable Kyiv to act as an occasional counter-weight to Russian influence, both in the negotiations for the settlement of the Transnistrian issue and generally. In addition, if Ukraine turns more toward Russia and away from the West, Moldova's will essentially become the farthest pro-Western Government in Eastern Europe.
Imedia
- Pro-Putin demonstration in Tiraspol
- STRATFOR: “Moldova's small size and strategic location is a main factor in the weakness of the state and its ability to balance between external powers”
- Leader of Transnistria changed his mind
- Moldova-Ukraine relations assessed as positive
- Putin to return to power with damaged credibility and legitimacy
- Moscow to use Shevchuk in Transnistria to politically dominate Moldova
- Moldova's Transnistria set for makeover from Smirnov to Shevchuk
- Russia might ban migrants who violate the immigration legislation
- Economic crisis behind ‘winds of change’ in post-Soviet states
- New York: Russian army out of Moldova! (VIDEO)
- 10 most important world events of 2005
- The rise and fall of Saddam Hussein
- Iraq: Saddam Hussein and another ex-senior officials sentenced to death by hanging
- Analysis: Black Sea Rivalry
- Report: Saddam Hussein has been executed
- On 31 August Moldova celebrates the Language Day
- Sexual humiliation and torture of female protesters reported
- Saddam Hussein handed over to Iraqi authorities, say lawyers
- Saddam Hussein's execution could be within next 48-36 hours
- Deadly blast at checkpoint near Peshawar