Russia separates the relations with Armenia as a Caucasian partner:
Konstantin Zatulin
11:45, 11 August, 2012
Yerevan, August 11, ARMENPRESS: During the meeting between the
Presidents of Armenia and Russia Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin
held in Moscow on August 8 the Armenian-Russian strategic partnership
and the willingness to strengthen it were highlighted. `Armenpress'
talked with the Director of CIS countries Institute Konstantin Zatulin
in order to find out the Russian political analysts position on the
meeting.
Mr. Zatulin, how do you assess the meeting between the Armenian and
Russian Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin? Are the
expectations formed within the framework of political sphere justified
before the meeting of the political leaders?
In my opinion the meeting was very important, although it only lasted
hours. At the same time the tradition of friendly, trustworthy
relations between the Armenian and Russian leaders reaffirmed. I know
that the presidents discussed a wide range of topics, not only on
bilateral relations, but also general situation. In fact the meeting
took place after President Vladimir Putin returned. The meeting
eyewitnesses mention that the conversation created the impression that
the presidents were separated only yesterday. There is no doubt that
the sequence of the Russian state and public figures' visits to
Armenia, the negotiations between the two countries' presidents
confirm that the relations between Armenia and Russia are at a high
level.
How would you evaluate the meeting results in terms of the settlement
of Nagorno Karabakh conflict?
I think Nagorno Karabakh issue has been discussed. I assume that the
same principles are here. They are talking about the peace process
maintaining and tha fact that neither Armenia nor Russia are not
interested in armed conflict rehabilitation and intensification.
Russia as a Minsk Group co-chair country seeks the peace process of
negotiations between the two countries. To my opinion if Baku agrees
with this, there should be no problems. We know that recently the
tension in NK was increasing, it is not only once to come out of the
peace-negotiating process with violation of cease-fire regime. The
military exercises to be held in Armenia in September which have its
own logic, its own reasons, however, will make impression not only on
Armenia, but also other bordering countries.
What will this meeting give the further development of the
Armenian-Russian relations? Is it a step forward?
This was a working meeting; it did not imply signing of any important
documents, which usually happens during the official visits. During
this meeting, as far as I know, issues on the Armenian-Russian
economic and political relations were discussed. Further discussion
and resolution of issues, including the issue of credits and price of
gas are in the agenda. All these issues are the two presidents'
working subject. Armenian-Russian commission is not excluded to be
formed in the result of the Armenian-Russian negotiations, not on
governmental, but on presidents' level. All these years there was a
Russian-Armenian governmental commission, now there is an idea to
increase the level making it a presidential government.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Konstantin Zatulin
11:45, 11 August, 2012
Yerevan, August 11, ARMENPRESS: During the meeting between the
Presidents of Armenia and Russia Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin
held in Moscow on August 8 the Armenian-Russian strategic partnership
and the willingness to strengthen it were highlighted. `Armenpress'
talked with the Director of CIS countries Institute Konstantin Zatulin
in order to find out the Russian political analysts position on the
meeting.
Mr. Zatulin, how do you assess the meeting between the Armenian and
Russian Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin? Are the
expectations formed within the framework of political sphere justified
before the meeting of the political leaders?
In my opinion the meeting was very important, although it only lasted
hours. At the same time the tradition of friendly, trustworthy
relations between the Armenian and Russian leaders reaffirmed. I know
that the presidents discussed a wide range of topics, not only on
bilateral relations, but also general situation. In fact the meeting
took place after President Vladimir Putin returned. The meeting
eyewitnesses mention that the conversation created the impression that
the presidents were separated only yesterday. There is no doubt that
the sequence of the Russian state and public figures' visits to
Armenia, the negotiations between the two countries' presidents
confirm that the relations between Armenia and Russia are at a high
level.
How would you evaluate the meeting results in terms of the settlement
of Nagorno Karabakh conflict?
I think Nagorno Karabakh issue has been discussed. I assume that the
same principles are here. They are talking about the peace process
maintaining and tha fact that neither Armenia nor Russia are not
interested in armed conflict rehabilitation and intensification.
Russia as a Minsk Group co-chair country seeks the peace process of
negotiations between the two countries. To my opinion if Baku agrees
with this, there should be no problems. We know that recently the
tension in NK was increasing, it is not only once to come out of the
peace-negotiating process with violation of cease-fire regime. The
military exercises to be held in Armenia in September which have its
own logic, its own reasons, however, will make impression not only on
Armenia, but also other bordering countries.
What will this meeting give the further development of the
Armenian-Russian relations? Is it a step forward?
This was a working meeting; it did not imply signing of any important
documents, which usually happens during the official visits. During
this meeting, as far as I know, issues on the Armenian-Russian
economic and political relations were discussed. Further discussion
and resolution of issues, including the issue of credits and price of
gas are in the agenda. All these issues are the two presidents'
working subject. Armenian-Russian commission is not excluded to be
formed in the result of the Armenian-Russian negotiations, not on
governmental, but on presidents' level. All these years there was a
Russian-Armenian governmental commission, now there is an idea to
increase the level making it a presidential government.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress