President Serzh Sargsyan led Armenian dignitaries at a celebration in Stepanakert to mark the 20th anniversary of the self declared independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. NKR remains unrecognised by any country and Baku disputes its existance.
Russian President Medvedev has set 4 December as the day for elections for the Russian State Duma. In a meeting with Russian political leaders in Sochi he warned against provocations connected with ethnicity during the campaign, as many Caucasians living in Mosocw and elsewhere complain of harrassment.
Minority foundations have 12 months to apply, with the Foundations Assembly set to review each case before making the final decision to return the property to its rightful owner
Ankvab represents continuity. His election indicates lingering concerns amongst residents of Abkhazia about the future, despite Russian support and reassurances.