Paul Goble
Vienna, March 16 – Komi-Permyak activists, residents of the first small non-Russian federal subject to be folded into a larger and predominantly ethnic Russian region as part of Vladimir Putin’s amalgamation policy, say that this process, despite the promises Moscow made at the time, is leading to “the cultural genocide” of their small nation.
And because that result violates Russian laws, the country’s constitution, and Moscow’s commitments under international treaties of various kinds, the activists in the last ten days have stepped up their campaign both within Russia and abroad to reverse the results of 2005 amalgamation of their region into Perm kray -- if not indeed the amalgamation itself.
At the end of last week, an activist of the Komi-Permyak national movement, distributed an appeal to the Russian and Finno-Ugric media describing the terrible conditions the Komis in the new Perm kray now find themselves and promising to mobilize ...
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Putin Strikes Out at Steel Company
March 5th, 2009
In a public outburst that sparked concern among investors and analysts, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Tuesday lashed out at Evraz Group, one of the world’s largest steel producers. Speaking at a meeting with students in Moscow, Putin accused the company of maintaining high prices even as raw material costs dropped, the Kommersant newspaper reported on March 4th. The premier also had some harsh words for Alexander Abramov, the owner of Evraz group.
“At present, costs for everything have fallen,” Putin candidly said at the meeting, “but we don’t see a decrease in prices. After all, salaries could be increased: since expenses are lower in the cost structure.”
Putin then turned to face Abramov, who was seated nearby.
“I know how Alexander Grigoriyev Abramov works with suppliers and customers,” Putin said.
“Imagine that I’m sitting under the table as you’re conducting pricing negotiations! After all, you’re not conducting yourself by the rules of the market! People come from you with a direct order: ...
