MODEST KOLEROV: RUSSIA CONSIDERS BOTH SIDES OF THE CONFLICTS ON THE POST SOVIET TERRITORY TO BE ITS COMPATRIOTS

DeFacto, Armenia
Sept 16 2005

Russia considers both sides of the conflicts on the post Soviet
territory to be its compatriots. Chief of the RF Presidential
Department for Inter-Regional and Cultural Relations with Foreign
Countries Modest Kolerov stated it speaking at the conference “Parallel
CIS. Abkhazia, Pridnestrovie, the South Caucasus and Nagorno Karabakh
as realities of the post – Soviet territory” in Moscow.

According to Tribuna newspaper (Russia), in spite of warning of one
of the conference’s organizers, the CIS Institute Director Constantine
Zatulin that the conference’s goal is scientific and not political, the
guests did not want to confine themselves to purely “scientific” goals.

A member of the Armenian delegation, RA Democratic Party leader,
RA NA deputy Aram G. Sargsyan noted the fact that the conference
“Parallel CIS. Abkhazia, Pridnestrovie, the South Caucasus and Nagorno
Karabakh as realities of the post – Soviet territory” was organized
by the CIS Institute testified to the fact that Russia was interested
in its influence and strengthening of the stand in the Caucasus.

“The difference of Nagorno Karabakh from other unrecognized republics
is that they are ready to become associative members of the Russian
community, while Nagorno Karabakh is striving for independence from
Azerbaijan and free existence”, stated he.

He noted participants of the Armenian delegation “presented legal
aspects of the Karabakh issue, pointed out usage of double standards
by the international community”. “Azerbaijan states Armenia has
organized the conference, and it is provocative. However, one thing
is obvious – Azerbaijan is not ready for the civilized coexistence
with its neighbors”, believes Aram Sargsyan.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress