RADZIKHOVSKI: “RUSSIA HAS TO PLAY PEACEFUL ROLE, NOT JUST TO BE CATALYST REGARDING NK CONFLICT”

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
April 5 2006

“Azerbaijan is one the former Soviet countries having real political
interests not just a psychopathic one,” Russian prominent political
scientist Leonid Radzikhovski told. He stressed that the oil-rich
Azerbaijan is having serious talks with Russia regarding the settlement
of legal status of the Caspian Sea.

“If Turkmenistan, main rival to Russia in gas sector, tries to
construct a new gas pipeline by breaking relations with Kremlin,
Azerbaijan will turn out to play a key role in the sale of Turkmen
gas,” the political scientist said. “Only Armenia in the South
Caucasus unconditionally supports Russia. All are aware of the
relations between Yerevan and Baku. Bearing in mind that Russia has
regularly supplied Armenia with guns due to some reasons, this fact
always instigated the conflict between the two countries. In practice,
those reconciling two parties benefit form it,” he emphasized.

Radzikhovski also said that the official Kremlin has recently had
tendencies towards Azerbaijan.

“This tendency is based on Russia becoming gas and oil empire, and
this factor is more obvious than other ones. Russian authorities try
to expand relations with Azerbaijan which caused dissatisfaction of
Armenian side several times. However, the Kremlin does not intend to
argue with Armenia as this country is historical strategic ally of
Russia. Nowadays, Russia takes interest in instigating the conflicts in
Trans-Dnestrovia, Abkhazia, South Osetia. However, Russia has not such
an interest regarding the Nagorno Garabagh conflict. Because, tense
situation in Garabagh and outbreak of active military operations can
lead Russia to foolish situation. If the war breaks out, Russia will
defend Armenia which will lead to worsened relations with influential
and very important Azerbaijan. Let’s consider the opposite variant:
to ruin the relations with Armenia and dissatisfy Armenian lobby which
as enough influence in Moscow. So, this variant is not advisable
either. Therefore, Russia has to play a peaceful role, not just to
be a catalyst with regard to the Nagorno Garabagh conflict,” the
political scientist concluded.