British Journalist expelled from Russia; Russia to boost defence of Kuril to ward off any eventuality; Russia supports a democratic Egypt; Russia to build $3 billion Nickel Smelter in Indonesia; Russia’s privatization drive
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    • A British journalist who reported extensively on Wikileaks cables wherein he criticized the Russian leadership has been expelled from Russia. ‘The Guardian’s Moscow correspondent Luke Harding had labelled Russia under Mr. Putin as being a virtual mafia state. Harding was denied from re-entering Russia and after being detained for about forty minutes sent back to the UK. The expulsion of the journalist followed several incidents of harassment amid official disapproval of his coverage. The issue has raised serious concern amongst human rights groups. Russia is regularly ranked as amongst the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. The matter also highlights the simmering tension between Russia and UK ever since UK categorically blamed certain sections of Russia’s official machinery for the murder of Kremlin critique Alexander Litvinenko in London. In December last year, UK expelled a Russian diplomat stationed in London on espionage charges and Russia too responded in the same vein by expelling a British diplomat.1

    Reports noted that Russia's unresolved conflict with Japan over the Kuril Islands, may reach a boiling point as Russian authorities are set to go ahead with their plan to shore up the disputed territory's defence potential. The Russian President has ordered the deployment of additional weaponry on the disputed islands which he described as an ‘inseparable part of Russian Federation’. There has been a sharp rise in rhetoric on both sides with Japanese Prime Minister having described President Medvedev’s visit to the Kuril Islands as an ‘unforgivable outrage’. Although trade relations have improved between the two countries yet the unresolved status of Kuril Islands has prevented Russia and Japan from forging a strategic partnership in-spite of their shared interest to combat the growing might of China.2

    Russian President Medvedev has expressed his support for the democratic transition in Egypt by announcing that a strong and a democratic Egypt is essential for the fragile peace in the Middle East. Medvedev has promised full Russian support to ensure a peaceful transition to democracy, ensure stability and restore the normal functioning of power structures in the country.3

    In an apparent sign of increased economic cooperation between Russia and Indonesia, reports noted that Russian investors plan to build a 3 billion US$ nickel smelter in Eastern Indonesia’s Halmahera Island. Indonesia is one of the world’s largest exporters of tin and thermal coal while Russia's Norilsk Nickel, in which RUSAL owns a 25 percent stake, is the world's largest nickel miner. Meanwhile, Indonesia is keen to increase its revenue accrued from the mining sector and under a new law, miners must be in the field of processing minerals in the domestic sector before exporting them.4

    In other developments, reports noted that Russia has initiated a massive privatization programme starting with the sale of shares of the country’s second biggest bank VTB, fetching the government over 3.3 billion US$. Although the names of the new shareholders in VTB were not identified yet it is believed that many major US, European, Middle Eastern and Asian companies have for the first time invested significant money in the Russian economy. Russia last year unveiled a huge five-year privatisation programme wherein the plan is to raise close to US$ $60 billion.5

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