US TO BRING SOUTH CAUCASUS OUT OF RUSSIA'S INFLUENCE - AZERI EXPERT
Tert.am
12.11.11
The United States has launched the Big Caucasus project in an attempt
to diminish Russia's influence on the South Caucasus, according to
Rasim Agaev, an Azerbaijani political analyst.
"The United States is seeking to neutralize Russia's influence on
the South Caucasus countries. That's why it is implementing the Big
Caucasus porject that was launched under [former President] George
W Bush to strengthen the country's positions in the region, pushing
forward the US interests," Regnum news agency has quoted the expert
as saying.
Agaev noted that the United States may thus have a bridgehead against
Russia and Iran.
He further spoke of the obvious anti-Russian policies of Georgia
and the pro-American orientation of Azerbaijan's top classes and
opposition circles. As for Armenia, he said the country is facing
serious political reforms, with the influential circles of the Armenian
Diaspora desiring to bring the country out of Russia's influence.
"Historically, Armenia is strongly oriented towards Russia, so it's
not going to be an easy task," he said, not ruling out the possibility
of finding a solution.
Agaev noted that the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is a key element
of the Big Caucasus project.
"If it is settled in favor of Azerbaijan, Americans will have
difficulty in resolving problems with Armenia, and just visa versa"
he added.
The expert said that a success in Karabakh deal would push Washington
to merge the North and South Caucasus into a larger geopolitical
region called the Big Caucasus. The move, according to him, would
completely deprive Russia of having any influence on the region.
Tert.am
12.11.11
The United States has launched the Big Caucasus project in an attempt
to diminish Russia's influence on the South Caucasus, according to
Rasim Agaev, an Azerbaijani political analyst.
"The United States is seeking to neutralize Russia's influence on
the South Caucasus countries. That's why it is implementing the Big
Caucasus porject that was launched under [former President] George
W Bush to strengthen the country's positions in the region, pushing
forward the US interests," Regnum news agency has quoted the expert
as saying.
Agaev noted that the United States may thus have a bridgehead against
Russia and Iran.
He further spoke of the obvious anti-Russian policies of Georgia
and the pro-American orientation of Azerbaijan's top classes and
opposition circles. As for Armenia, he said the country is facing
serious political reforms, with the influential circles of the Armenian
Diaspora desiring to bring the country out of Russia's influence.
"Historically, Armenia is strongly oriented towards Russia, so it's
not going to be an easy task," he said, not ruling out the possibility
of finding a solution.
Agaev noted that the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is a key element
of the Big Caucasus project.
"If it is settled in favor of Azerbaijan, Americans will have
difficulty in resolving problems with Armenia, and just visa versa"
he added.
The expert said that a success in Karabakh deal would push Washington
to merge the North and South Caucasus into a larger geopolitical
region called the Big Caucasus. The move, according to him, would
completely deprive Russia of having any influence on the region.