Ruling MPLA won landslide victory in 5 Aug legislative elections; gained 82 per cent of vote and two- thirds parliamentary majority (needed to amend constitution). Opposition UNITA, with 10 per cent, conceded defeat. EU observers said vote an “advance for democracy” but fell short of international standards, citing disorganised polling in Luanda and govt monopoly over state media, institutions.

No progress in negotiations between govt and Palipehutu-FNL to revive failing ceasefire implementation; growing tensions with President Kabila; both sides allege violations. Reports of daily attacks: sports ministry director Ferdinand Ntabihari assassinated in 25 Sept grenade attack on home; 3 civilians killed 15 Sept by grenade in north east, FNL suspected. Renewed FNL racketeering reported in rural areas. Civil society groups 5 Sept condemned rise in govt harassment amid further clampdowns on media, civil society: Net Press director jailed 11 Sept for defamation; justice workers union head Juvénal Rududura arrested 15 Sept for false statements implying govt corruption; Radio Publique Africaine threatened with “sanctions” 23 Sept over Jan story alleging plot against Nkurunziza govt.

Talks between govt and rebel group APRD resumed 15 Sept in Libreville, Gabon, after govt revised controversial amnesty law that prompted APRD pullout in Aug; parliament adopted new amnesty law 30 Sept– rebel groups reviewing. New coalition party approved 5 Sept incorporating opposition FPP, MESAN and PATRIE, demanded participation in national dialogue process. Further reports and accusations of peace process violations. Defence ministry 3 Sept denounced rights groups’ silence on APRD crimes in north west, APRD denied. Ahead of March 2009 EUFOR withdrawal, UNSC 24 Sept extended UN mission (MINURCAT) mandate until March 2009, but postponed decision on UNSG’s request for increased troop strength (see Chad).

After Dakar agreement contact group meeting in Asmara, Chad and Sudan 16 Sept agreed to exchange ambassadors, set up joint peacekeeping force on border. UNSC 24 Sept extended MINURCAT mandate until March 2009 expiry of EUFOR’s mandate, announced intention to authorise UN military component to replace EUFOR – decision on revised MINURCAT mandate, size, structure scheduled mid-Dec. World Bank 9 Sept announced end of involvement in Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline project due to govt failure to allocate oil revenues to poverty reduction. 14 alleged victims filed complaints with Senegalese prosecutor against former President Habré; charges include crimes against humanity, torture.

Discussion over feasibility of 30 Nov presidential election date intensified amid severe delays in voter identification and disarmament processes; ruling party VP 5 Sept highlighted risk of botched elections if not postponed, contradicting govt assurances, while opposition called for fresh inter-party talks if date pushed beyond 2008. Registration drive started 15 Sept but with limited capacity. Communal tensions spiked: 10 killed, over 20 injured 5 Sept in inter-ethnic clashes in Bondoukou district.

Jan peace deal in tatters after further serious clashes between army and General Nkunda’s CNDP rebels in North Kivu following resumption of hostilities on 28 Aug. Fighting spread over month as army struggled to repel CNDP advances from ceasefire positions, with clashes approaching Sake, 25km from Goma, 20-21 Sept. Both sides report heavy casualties, while UN reported 100,000 displaced since late Aug. Reports of FDLR, Mai Mai rebel assaults on CNDP in Masisi, 15 Sept. CNDP cited evidence FDLR fighting alongside army. UN vehicles attacked in 3 Sept protests against MONUC efforts to hold back fighting; demonstrators called for forceful army response to rebels. Further rallies held 20-21 Sept over poor army conditions. AU, MONUC, EU and govt met for emergency talks in Goma 14 Sept, urged CNDP to return to negotiations. PM and PALU party head Gizenga resigned 25 Sept citing health, but amid President Kabila; resignation likely to result in PALU’s withdrawal from governing coalition. Govt early month began deploying some 1,100 troops near Ugandan LRA bases in north; Kampala 10 Sept called on Kinshasa to attack rebels in line with June cooperation agreement. UN said at least 17,000 displaced, 90 children abducted after alleged LRA raids on DRC villages mid-month (see Uganda).

Djibouti/Eritrea: UN 17 Sept encouraged Eritrea to engage in dialogue following early-Aug fact-finding mission, rejected by Eritrea, to investigate June border clashes. Mission report expressed concern over ongoing border tensions and called for demilitarisation of border zone, normalisation of relations; concluded that in case of continued Eritrean rebuffal of UNSG offer of good offices, issue should be referred to UNSC.

Massive pro-democracy protests surrounded 19 Sept polls, accompanied by series of bombings. Over 10,000 marched 3-4 Sept in capital Mbabane and Manzini, calling for end to ban on political parties and abolition of monarchy. Police blocked roads, arrested several in 18 Sept demonstrations near South African border posts. Explosion near royal palace 21 Sept killed 2 suspected bombers; 2 smaller blasts reported in Mbabane 4 Sep. Govt blamed opposition People’s United Democratic Movement, dismissed scale of unrest.

28 Sept bomb explosion in capital of Somali region killed 4, wounded 22; ONLF accused by govt, denied responsibility. 2 foreign aid workers kidnapped in Ogaden 22 Sept; ONLF also denied. U.S. expressed concern 18 Sept over draft law regulating NGO activities, said trying to influence govt to reconsider. Unity for Democracy and Justice party granted official recognition to contest 2010 elections. Govt reported over 50 Oromo rebels surrendered in Oromia early month.

Ethiopia 25 Sept again accused Eritrea of attempting to destabilise it through new anti-Ethiopian media broadcasts in local languages.

Civil society leaders expressed concerns over potential for instability ahead of Dec presidential elections, after 3 killed in 31 Aug clashes between ruling National Democratic Congress and opposition New Patriotic Party supporters, in Northern Region. Govt announced curfew in region and stepped up policing.

Social unrest increased: youths protested repeated electricity cuts in Conakry early month; vehicles torched in unemployment protests near disputed mining project near Simandou, 5 Sept; hospitals ground to halt after 10-day health workers’ strike. Following intense political debate over govt mining contracts in Aug, Finance Minister Ousmane Dore 8 Sept vowed to speed up sector review started after early 2007 violent anti-govt protests. 3 senior officials arrested over large cocaine load intercepted in Boke 4 Sept; authorities allege series of recent plane deliveries.

Controversy over potential military involvement in drug smuggling continued, with reports army officials sought to block investigation into July cocaine seizure at Bissau airport. EU evaluation mission 18 Sept said conditions ahead of 16 Nov legislative elections positive, despite fears for political stability following opposition PAIGC’s July withdrawal from consensus govt.

After 6-month investigation, commission led by South African retired judge Johann Kriegler investigating post- election violence 17 Sept presented report concluding Dec 2007 election deeply flawed; called for changes to electoral system to avoid future unrest, including reformed Electoral Commission, greater transparency. During Kenya visit, Kofi Annan 22 Sept called on govt to implement recommendations. Some 19 killed, hundreds displaced in 12-18 Sept clashes between herders over water in drought-stricken northern districts of Mandera, Isiolo, Samburu. Govt tightened security along Somali border following early month incursions by Somali raiders. South Sudan apologised 9 Sept for Aug attacks by armed raiders in northern Kenya.

UN Special Representative Løj 3 Sept announced second stage of UNMIL drawdown, to 12,000 troops, to begin Oct. Anti-Corruption Commission officially approved 12 Sept, but marred by controversy after opposition, civil society opposed appointment of commission head, claiming links to president. Son of former President Charles Taylor began trial in Miami late Sept for atrocities during father’s rule, in landmark U.S. case into torture committed overseas.

Govt and Tuareg rebel group ATNMC released prisoners/ hostages in early month peace gesture following July ceasefire agreement. 4 Tuareg found shot dead 2 Sept near Niger border; govt 19 Sept blamed anti-Tuareg militia Ganda Izo, later announced 32 arrested, including leader, and 2 killed in operations against Ganda Izo bases.

Niger Delta violence surged, after dominant militant group MEND 13 Sept vowed “oil war“ against security forces and oil companies, citing retaliation for increased army attacks. Some 100 thought dead after series of assaults on Shell, Chevron sites in Rivers State from 13 Sept; oil production cut by at least 115,000bpd. MEND declared ceasefire 21 Sept, citing appeals from local leaders, but threatened to step up violence if provoked. Fears disparate militant groups uniting. Army played down MEND operation, 1 Oct claimed 400 militants arrested in Port Harcourt; militant groups said arrests indiscriminate. New ministry for Niger Delta announced early month; Delta leaders applauded but sceptics dismiss govt’s commitment to region’s development. President Yar’Adua returned home 6 Sept after 17-day medical treatment in Saudi Arabia, 8 Sept sacked govt secretary and rumoured rival in further reassertion of executive control after Aug military sackings. Supreme Court 25 Sept ruled hearings to start 23 Oct on legitimacy of Yar’Adua’s election, contested by 2007 presidential opponents Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar.

Coalition led by ruling RPF won landslide victory after peaceful 15-18 Sept legislative polls. Elections endorsed by international observers; dismissed by exiled opposition as “smokescreen” for President Kagame’s control over democratic process. Kagame 6 Sept threatened to issue arrest warrants against French officials allegedly implicated in 1994 genocide.

Govt took steps to deliver 2007 election pledges: President Koroma 1 Sept declared assets under new anti-corruption law requirements for public officials; proposal for return of property seized under former President Strasser’s 1992-1996 rule announced 10 Sept.

Devastating violence continued between Islamists and AU, Ethiopian troops with scores killed, including 2 peacekeepers 14-15 Sept; 30 civilians 22 Sept in Bakara market. UNHCR reported thousands fleeing Mogadishu. Ethiopian troops 5 Sept shot some 20 civilians in Bardale, prompting TFG district commissioner to switch allegiance to Islamists. Al-Shabaab 16 Sept warned all flights to Mogadishu airport must cease; 19 Sept attacked landing AU supply plane. MP assassinated 9 Sept. Reports 7 Sept of Somali soldiers, Ethiopian officer switching allegiance to militants. International Contact Group for Somalia met 16 Sept in Djibouti seeking diplomatic, financial support for peace process. Djibouti negotiations between govt and opposition Alliance for Re-liberation of Somalia on implementation of 18 Aug agreement disrupted 21 Sept by dispute over Ethiopian troop withdrawal. UNSC stated 4 Sept would consider peacekeeping force subject to improved security situation, political progress; asked UNSG Ban to report back with contingency plan in 60 days. Ethiopian PM Meles 21 Sept said troops will remain in Somalia to support TFG. Rift opened 23 Sept between President Yusuf and parliament over latter’s rejection of Yusuf call for reinstatement of resigned cabinet ministers. In Islamist-controlled Kismayo, key Islamic Courts movement figure 5 Sept rejected new local administration as not sufficiently inclusive of local clans. Further incidents of piracy reported, including 25 Sept seizure of Ukrainian ship carrying 33 tanks.

Continued fighting in Darfur, particularly in north, including govt aerial attacks on rebels. Govt denied attacks, UNAMID confirmed fighting. Rebels claimed 21 govt soldiers killed in 17 Sept battle. UNAMID reported 2 attacks on their aircraft due to rebel confusion with Sudanese army aircraft, now also painted white in condemned practice. ICC judges 19 Sept issued order for 1 Oct closed meeting with Prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo on July request for President Bashir arrest warrant. France, UK indicated possible support for UNSC deferral of prosecution under Article 16 of Rome Statute if Khartoum changes policies, pursues Darfur peace; rebel SLM 25 Sept voiced opposition. AU 22 Sept reiterated support for UNSC deferral; said domestic courts should investigate crimes, Khartoum to involve AU/Arab League (AL) lawyers to give “required credibility”. AL Ministerial Council formed 9 Sept to resolve Darfur crisis, co-chaired by Qatar, AU, AL. Some Darfur rebels and opposition Umma leader dismissed initiative. UN 7 Sept threatened to suspend some Darfur humanitarian assistance after 3 Sept attack on WFP convoy, one of over 100 in 2008. NCP and former rebel SLM-Minawi 17 Sept discussed implementation of 2006 Darfur Peace Agreement, recent govt attacks against SLM-Minawi. At UN 26 Sept, Sudan elected head of “Group of 77” developing countries.

LRA continued to evade signature of final peace deal, on hold since April. Early month, Kinshasa with UN mission (MONUC) support began deploying hundreds of troops near LRA bases in north DRC, while Kampala 10 Sept called on DRC for stronger action in line with June cooperation agreement. In statements 11, 13 Sept, LRA said recent DRC build-up posed new barrier to LRA leader Joseph Kony signing final deal; promised resistance, ruled out disarmament until issue of ICC arrest warrants against LRA leadership “resolved”. Food supplies to LRA suspended since May. Head of Ugandan war crimes court, formed in May, stated govt forces (UPDF) cannot be tried before court under terms of Juba peace deal.

Power-sharing deal between rival party leaders signed 15 Sept following 7 weeks of stop-start talks to resolve crisis. Agreement offers best chance to loosen Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party’s 30-year grip on power, but many observers cautious, citing uncertainty over where power lies and implementation. In deal: executive powers divided between ZANU-PF leader Mugabe, retaining presidency, and MDC leader Tsvangirai, as new PM; each to lead cabinet bodies; combined MDC (incl MDC Mutambara faction) given slim majority of cabinet posts; inclusive, 18-month process established for constitutional reform. But distribution of key ministries still unresolved after talks hit impasse 18 Sept. Continuation of Thabo Mbeki’s role as chief mediator uncertain following his late month resignation as president of South Africa; SADC judgment expected early Oct. International response to deal muted: U.S., UK, EU leaders said aid and removal of targeted sanctions contingent on delivery of reforms. Authorities continued to obstruct urgent aid operations, with new requirements imposed on aid agencies 2 Sept; 26 Sept authorised trading in foreign currency in effort to ease economic crisis. UN estimated at least $5bn in foreign aid needed to fund economic recovery over next 5 years.

Total number of security incidents down on previous month, in customary Ramadan lull, despite several high-profile incidents. Taliban claimed targeted attack 28 Sept that killed renowned Kandahar female police officer Malalai Kakar. Suicide bomber launched rare attack on UN convoy in Spin Boldak 14 Sept, killing driver, 2 doctors; attack could significantly impact humanitarian activities in south. Logar province governor assassinated 13 Sept. After new video evidence U.S. military 7 Sept announced it would open further inquiry into Aug coalition airstrikes in western Afghanistan which govt, UN claim killed 90 civilians. President Karzai attended swearing-in of Pakistan counterpart Asif Zardari 9 Sept, met in margins of UNGA. U.S. armed forces chief Mike Mullen said “holistic approach” to Afghan-Pakistan border needed, called on coalition countries to fund expansion of military effort. Afghan Defence Minister Wardak suggested joint border patrol force. Karzai once again appealed to Taliban for peace talks, Taliban leadership once again publicly rejected.

Head of caretaker govt Fakhruddin Ahmed announced 18 Dec date for parliamentary elections. Local polls will follow on 24, 28 Dec. Emergency provisions will be relaxed during polls, including freedom of assembly, but details unclear. Former PM Khaleda Zia and her son both released on bail early Sept. Former PM Sheikh Hasina, in U.S. for medical treatment on parole, still seeking bail. If granted, both women one step closer to legally standing in Dec poll.

Series of 5 bombs detonated 13 Sept in crowded areas of New Delhi killed 24, injured over 100. Shadowy Indian Mujahideen group claimed responsibility. Police in Delhi 19 Sept shot dead 2 young Muslim men they claimed were behind bombings, but doubts remain regarding culpability despite further arrests. Smaller Delhi market blast 27 Sept killed 2.

Communal violence in India-administered Kashmir subsided somewhat after Indian govt temporarily restored disputed land near Hindu Amarnath shrine to Shrine Board. But clashes resumed around 19-20 Sept Srinagar strike by Muslim protesters. In 20 Sept address to parliament, new Pakistan President Asif Zardari pledged peace with India, increased cooperation. Limited exchange of fire across Line of Control (LOC) reported 22 Sept. Zardari and Indian PM Singh agreed to launch new round of Composite Dialogue talks by year’s end, begin cross-LOC trade, open land route for trade between New Delhi and Kabul, and, guided by Indus Water treaty, resolve water disputes.

Tensions in Aceh continued to mount ahead of Apr 2009 national parliamentary elections (see report below), including two grenade attacks, one on the home of former GAM military commander Muzakkir Manaf 9 Sept, the other targeting Partai Aceh 17 Sept. show while in office. PPP candidate Somchai Wongsawat elected PM 17 Sept; PAD views him as proxy for former PM Thaksin, protests continue. “Peace talks” for south reportedly held 20-21 Sept in Indonesia, with mediation by Indonesian VP Kalla, but Thai govt said not involved and unclear whether Muslim representatives control current insurgents.

Increasing setbacks to hard-won June agreement on dismantlement: IAEA 24 Sept announced NK had banned inspectors from Yongbyon reprocessing plant, planned to resume reprocessing activities within week. Govt 26 Aug announced would soon consider steps to restore Yongbyon nuclear facilities. Moves may mark attempt by Pyongyang to gain greater bargaining position given continued U.S. inaction on removing NK from state sponsors of terrorism list, but increasingly threaten progress in Six-Party Talks. U.S. envoy Christopher Hill visited Pyongyang 1 Oct for talks to rescue agreement. Pyongyang confirmed NK leader Kim Jong-Il suffered stroke early in month but said “recovering”. WFP 2 Sept announced $500mn operation for NK, received first permission to include Korean-speaking monitors.

Govt 23 Sept freed country’s longest- serving political prisoner, Win Tin, after 19-year imprisonment, along with at least 6 other political prisoners, including 3 elected MPs. Opposition NLD party received news of release with caution, noted significant number of political prisoners remaining. Following 11 Sept UNSC briefing by envoy Ibrahim Gambari on Aug mission to country, UNSG Ban said he shared general frustration over lack of political progress in Myanmar. Group of Friends 27 Sept reiterated support for Gambari’s good offices mission. Refugees International 5 Sept noted marked improvements in post-cyclone Nargis humanitarian access.

PM Prachanda made first official visit to India 14-18 Sept, hailed “new era” in relations, but few concrete agreements. Prachanda and (Maoist) Defence Minister Badal held first formal meeting with Nepal Army 12 Sept. Discussion between parties over constitution-drafting procedures for Constituent Assembly continued to stall.

Powerful bomb exploded at Islamabad Marriott hotel 20 Sept, killing at least 53, including Czech ambassador and 2 U.S. marines, and injuring hundreds. Attack came hours after President Asif Zardari’s first address to parliament, in which he stressed parliamentary sovereignty through revisions to 17th Amendment and renewed commitment to fighting extremism in tribal belt through 3-pronged strategy: negotiations with militants who renounce violence, economic and political reform, and use of force against those challenging state’s writ. Zardari, leader of PPP, elected by national, regional assemblies 6 Sept. First U.S. cross-border commando raid 3 Sept in North Waziristan killed 15 people, first publicly admitted U.S. ground operation in Pakistan. Drone missile attacks 8 Sept killed further 16 people, leading to sharp rebukes from Pakistan govt. Air incursions and U.S. missile drone attacks continued throughout month. 25 Sept cross-border exchange of fire between U.S. and Pakistan troops.

Fighting continued in Mindanao as govt dismantled peace process with MILF rebels. Manila early Sept dissolved peace panel, the mechanism for peace talks, and said would directly engage with local communities instead. MILF rejected mid-month offer of talks by Manila, conditioned on handover of 3 rogue commanders known as Umbra Kato, Bravo and Pangalian. More than 250,000 now displaced in fighting across central Mindanao. Military operations mean Malaysia-led monitors unable to deploy.

More than 200,000 displaced in northern Vanni region, as intense battles continued and military won back territory from LTTE. Govt 5 Sept called for withdrawal of all humanitarian agencies from Vanni, raising concern for civilian casualties. UN and other agencies now operating from Vavuniya, 50km south; only ICRC maintained right to operate in Vanni, though WFP 29 Sept said received permission to deliver food. Grenade attack 29 Sept on home of Transparency International country head after report criticising country. Govt ordered census of all Colombo residents arriving from northern districts in past 5 years, effectively targeting Tamils.

PM Samak forced out of office 9 Sept by Constitutional Court finding he had violated constitution, which came after weeks of protests by People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) calling for his resignation. Samak had declared state of emergency 2 Sept after pro- and anti- govt forces clashed, killing 1, injuring over 40. Court ruling concerned payments he accepted for hosting TV cookery show while in office. PPP candidate Somchai Wongsawat elected PM 17 Sept; PAD views him as proxy for former PM Thaksin, protests continue. “Peace talks” for south reportedly held 20-21 Sept in Indonesia, with mediation by Indonesian VP Kalla, but Thai govt said not involved and unclear whether Muslim representatives control current insurgents.

PM Gusmão clarified earlier comments on withdrawal of International Stabilisation Force, saying troops needed for “at least 1 more year”. Timorese Court of Appeal refused petition presented by parliamentarians, human rights groups against president’s amnesty law, pardoning 94 implicated in 2006 crisis.

Key witness in 15 March arms depot explosion investigation killed early Sept. Thousands of opposition Socialist Party supporters rallied in response in Tirana 10 Sept, demanding resignation of PM Sali Berisha and cabinet.

In further move to normalise relations, Turkish President Gul 6 Sept attended Armenian-Turkish soccer match in Yerevan – first-ever visit by Turkish head of state. Parliament speaker Tigran Torosian resigned 16 Sept, left ruling Republican Party, citing “irreconcilable differences”. Hovik Abrahamian elected new speaker 29 Sept.

Increased engagement outside OSCE Minsk Group negotiation forum, with Turkish FM Babacan in joint meeting with Armenian, Azeri FMs on UNGA sidelines 26 Sept; Russian President Medvedev in separate meetings with Armenian, Azeri presidents. Baku hinted at possible inclusion of Armenia in Nabucco pipeline project if Yerevan modifies demands for independence of enclave.

Campaigning for 15 Oct presidential elections started 17 Sept. Authorities cracked down on Salafi groups following 17 Aug Baku mosque attack: 3 Dagestani “Forest Brothers” held responsible for attack killed in special operation 6 Sept (see North Caucasus (non-Chechnya)). Azeri state-oil company SOCAR 25 Sept announced oil exports to Russia and Iran, commenced after Aug Georgia war, to continue, despite Georgian pipeline return to pre-war functioning. U.S. VP Cheney in 3 Sept Baku visit discussed Nabucco pipeline project.

Suspected ETA attacks on security forces: explosion at Santano military residence killed 1 soldier 22 Sept, after 2 bombs 21 Sept outside Onderroa police station and at bank in Vittoria wounded 10– UNSG Ban Ki-moon, UNSC strongly condemned. Spanish Supreme Court 16 Sept banned Basque ANV party, citing links to armed ETA activists. French police arrested 27 ETA suspects 22-24 Sept.

28 Sept parliamentary elections saw all seats won by pro-govt candidates – opposition claimed fraud, staged peaceful 500-strong protest. OSCE 29 Sept said elections fell short of OSCE standards despite minor improvements. U.S. announced further dialogue with regime, suspended sanctions against 2 joint-stock companies for 6 months; EU FMs 30 Sept discussed easing of visa bans. President Lukashenko 20 Sept warned Belarus will cease dialogue with West if elections not recognised.

Office of High Representative (OHR), EU and others criticised Republika Srpska (RS) move to abandon joint state electricity operator – key precondition to join European power grid and electricity market. ICTY prosecutors 23 Sept filed revised indictment against former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic; 15 Sept sentenced former Bosnian Muslim army chief Rasim Delic to 3 years for allowing torture of Bosnian Serbs during 1992-95 confl In action by Srebrenica survivors, Dutch court 10 Sept ruled Netherlands not responsible for troops’ failure to protect enclave in 1995. Campaigning for 5 Oct local elections began 5 Sept.

Ruslan Yamadayev, rival of pro-Kremlin president Kadyrov, shot dead 24 Sept in Moscow. 3 soldiers killed in separate rebel attacks 12, 18 Sept in Grozny.

Full-fledged reunification talks between Cypriot leaders Christofias and Talat formally started 3 Sept, in earnest 11 Sept – to resume in Oct on governance and power-sharing issues. Christofias 30 Sept called for demilitarisation of island. Turkish President Gul in 23 Sept UN address expressed full support for establishment of new “state composed of 2 constituent states of equal status”.

Security situation remains fragile with continued Russian military presence amid growing internal political struggles. French President Sarkozy negotiated modified ceasefire comprising Russian withdrawal excluding breakaway regions Abkhazia, South Ossetia (SO), deployment of 200 EU monitors and no-use-of-force agreement. EU monitoring mission started patrolling “buffer zones” around conflict zones 1 Oct. Talks over further OSCE monitors deadlocked after Russia refused access of intl observers to conflict regions. Russia 17 Sept signed friendship treaties with regions including military assistance, establishment of army bases, after Russian President Medvedev announced 7,600 troops to remain in Abkhazia, SO. Tense situation in areas around conflict zones saw 3 Georgian policemen shot dead. Tbilisi 22 Sept claimed downing of Russian spy plane – Moscow denied. At UN, Russia proposed arms embargo on Georgia. NATO ambassadors held first session of NATO-Georgia commission during 15-16 Sept visit to Georgia. ICJ 8 Sept concluded public hearings on Georgian charges of ethnic cleansing against Russia. In wake of growing opposition pressure, President Saakashvili announced “second Rose Revolution” with “wave of new democratic reforms” in parliamentary speech 16 Sept, again in 23 Sept UN address. 3 member parties of United Opposition 17 Sept called for early elections. Parliament 25 Sept established commission to investigate Aug events. Public defender Sozar Subari 30 Sept set up “Public Movement for Freedom and Justice” following strong 25 Sept statement accusing govt of authoritarianism.

Energy cooperation, Georgia-Russia conflict discussed at annual EU-Kazakh meeting in Brussels mid- month. Kazakh, Russian presidents met 22 Sept to discuss security, trade. Overlapping with Russian visit, Kazakhstan and NATO conducted joint military exercises. Govt 22 Sept cancelled planned investment in Georgian port of Poti; Russia 22 Sept announced $1bn investment in Kazakh mining sector.

UNMIK and Serbian govt 12 Sept continued talks on practical areas, agreed reopening of north Mitrovica court using UNMIK law and judiciary. Belgrade continued to cite lack of UN mandate for EULEX, which plans to deploy by end- 2008 including north of River Ibar, but signalled openness to negotiated UNSC-approved formula. Kosovo Serb Assembly convened in June by hardliners held second session 13 Sept to condemn EULEX; only 26 of 45 delegates attended. Pristina govt 3 Sept ruled out violence to secure Serb north, said assertion of authority needs time. In far south, scuffle broke out 1 Sept between rival Kosovo and parallel Serb municipal authority officials contesting Strpce municipal offices; 2 arrested. Kosovo govt 11 Sept announced decentralisation plans for Serb areas south of Ibar, aiming to sideline recently established Serb parallel municipal authorities. Serbian President Tadic 23 Sept addressed UNGA seeking support to request ICJ advisory opinion on legality of Kosovo independence; vote scheduled for 8 Oct.

Opposition Revolutionary Committee leader 16 Sept criticised President Bakiyev for undemocratic activities. Police 17 Sept raided opposition party Kyrgyzstan’s Fatherland regional office, seized computers, anti-govt leaflets. Opposition parties 26 Sept reported head of Central Election Commission in hiding following pressure from president’s son to disrupt opposition campaign ahead of 5 Oct local elections. Independent newspaper editor detained 9 Sept for 2 days; rights activists said charges politically motivated, arrest condemned by opposition For Justice movement. Govt stopped energy exports 1 Sept due to shortages.

25 Sept talks with Transdniester separatists cancelled, despite renewed efforts for solution: OSCE 8 Sept announced plans for renewed “5+2” talks; Russian President Medvedev restated commitment to peaceful solution in meeting with separatist leader Igor Smirnov 3 Sept.

UN envoy Nimetz 12 Sept offered Macedonia and Greece further ideas to resolve name row at New York meetings; FMs briefly discussed 18 Sept. Main opposition Social Democratic Alliance party 18 Sept elected Zoran Zaev as interim leader until outgoing President Branko Crvenkovski takes over May 2009. Ethnic Albanian DPA continued parliamentary boycott; 5 Sept split as respected VP Ymer Selmani quit and 16 Sept launched new centre right Albanian party New Democracy. EU Enlargement Commissioner Rehn 4 Sept said more reforms, especially on elections, needed before accession talks start. PM Gruevski proposed constitutional change regarding election of president, scrapping current threshold of 51% turnout.

Situation deteriorating in Ingushetia following Aug killing of opposition website owner Magomed Yevloyev in police custody: family publicly declared blood vengeance against President Zyazikov and senior police; security services broke up 2 Sept 1,000-strong protest during Yevloyev’s funeral in Nazran. Interior Minister Medov survived suicide bomber attack 30 Sept, 1 bystander killed. Increasingly violent anti-insurgency operations saw 10 security forces, 9 rebels killed – raising concerns of widespread militant backlash. In Dagestan, TV reporter Telman Alishaev fatally shot 2 Sept by 2 gunmen in Makhachkala; bomb 27 Sept killed 1 woman. Series of clashes between security forces, militants saw at least 3 officers, some 22 militants killed including Ilgar Mollachiyev, held responsible for Aug Baku mosque bombing (see Azerbaijan). In Kabardino-Balkaria, opposition newspaper editor Miloslav Bitokov attacked outside his house 3 Sept. In North Ossetia capital Vladikavkaz, police head Cheldiyev and son killed in car attack.

Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) ratified 9 Sept; 139 deputies for, 26 against. Serbian Radical Party (SRS) deputy leader Nikolic, who supported ratification amidst divisions within SRS, resigned from party 5 Sept and with 18 others founded new Serb Progressive Party. EU 15 Sept failed to reach consensus on unfreezing pre-membership interim trade deal with Serbia; blocked by Dutch on grounds of lack of full ICTY cooperation. Ruling coalition 19 Sept published draft bill confirming Vojvodina as autonomous province; opposed by SRS and other nationalist parties.

Interior Ministry 23 Sept issued arrest warrant for exiled opposition leader; charges include insulting president. Russian electricity company RAO UES 2 Sept confirmed will build 3 hydropower plants in Tajikistan, following Aug announcements of planned Chinese investment in the sector. Govt 2 Sept announced resumption of power rationing due to shortages.

Ruling AKP and govt remain under pressure due to stalling EU reform process, financial scandal. Approval of national program on EU integration delayed after cabinet sent draft to NGOs, opposition “for consultations”; EU Enlargement Commissioner Rehn urged govt to speed up reforms of party laws. PM Erdogan called for boycott of Dogan media group outlet after newspapers reported AKP members were beneficiaries in fraud case involving German- based charity Lighthouse. President Gul presented planned Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform at UN 23 Sept. In ongoing investigation against ultra-nationalist Ergenekon network, 10 arrested including journalist Tuncay Ozkan. PKK-army clashes left 12 soldiers, village guards and at least 10 PKK dead over month.

Heavy gun battle 13 Sept in Ashgabat, 9-20 police killed. Initially reported as fighting between radical Islamists and security forces; later as between drug- trafficking gang and security forces; also reports of infighting within security forces between clans in drugs trade. New constitution adopted 26 Sept; observers noted democratic and authoritarian elements. UN rapporteur on religion 12 Sept reported improved situation; rights group 8 Sept reported media freedom nonexistent in spite of govt reform claims. UN Human Rights Council rejected proposal to appoint special rapporteur for Turkmenistan.