By Richard Giragosian (4/26/2000 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: Following the initial democratic idealism of the early Gorbachev era, Nagorno Karabagh held a national referendum in December 1991, overwhelming affirming its independence from Azerbaijan.  The current parliament was elected in April 1995 to replace its Soviet-era predecessor.  Current Armenian President Robert Kocharian's original power base was here in Karabagh, having been elected as temporary president in December 1994 and reelected to a five year term in November 1996.

By Khatuna Salukvadze (4/26/2000 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: The success of the Eurasian corridor pipeline deal (Baku-Ceyhan and Transcaucasian gas pipelines) represents a breakthrough, for Georgia and Azerbaijan that have envisioned a new strategic reality based on a revival of the ancient Silk Road. The pro-Western oriented Eurasian corridor project signifies the creation of a new geo-economic regional partnership, that will create a joint military force to defend the pipelines from military and terrorist attack. This new partnership will creating a route for Central Asian oil outside the control of Russia, despite Russia’s demand that Caspian oil flow through Russian territory to Novorosiisk.

By Gael Rabelland (4/26/2000 issue of the CACI Analyst)

BACKGROUND: The consequences of the Asian and Russian economic crises of 1998 seem more and more evanescent in East Asia. For Central Asia the effects are still devastating. Before the crisis, Asian investment to the region, mainly from South Korea, was accelerating.