RA’s Daily Russian News Blast – May 19, 2009
TODAY: Attempts to rescue Georgia security talks following Russia and South Ossetia walkout; compulsory income declarations extended; redefining US-Russia nuclear ties; Medvedev aide launches thinly-veiled attack on Putin
Russia and South Ossetia have followed the lead of Abkhazia, and walked out of the security talks between Russia and Georgia, claiming that they await a crucial document. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin reportedly said following Abkhazia’s departure, ‘to discuss serious questions about security without one of the parties would be a doomed exercise‘. Russia may return to talks if the crucial document is delivered. The EU, UN, and OSCE have expressed regret at the walkout. According to Ria-Novosti, the delayed draft report has now been submitted and is being examined by Russia. The news source also says that Abkhazia withdrew not because the report was delayed, as has been widely reported, but because of a bias that they felt was clear in it. State Duma speaker Boris Gryzlov has visited Abkhazia to talk about bilateral cooperation.