RUSSIA SUPPORTS THE STABILITY OF ARMENIA
By A. Haroutiunian

AZG Armenian Daily
21/03/2008

Karasin Hopes for Minsk Group Format to be Preserved

On March 18-20 Secretary of State of the Russian Fedration Grigory
Karfasin was on an official visit to Yerevan. On a yesterday
press-conference at Armenia-Marriott Hotel Karasin informed the
reporters that he had meetings with the President, Prime Minister
and Foreign Minister of Armenia.

>From a number of issues discussed on the meetings, the Russian
Secretary of State pointed out the question of Armenia-Russia
cooperation, which is steadily developing in the spheres of politics,
culture and education. He stated that Armenia and Russia remain allies
and that Russia pays equal attention to all formats of partnership
with Armenia.

Another important topic discussed on Karasin’s meetings with
the top highest officials of Armenia, were the events succeeding
the presidential elections of February 19. "Russia is by no means
indifferent towards the development of inner political situation in
an allied state. We take for granted that any political problem must
be settled through dialogue and in accordance with the Law, and that
disturbances and chaos in the streets are harmful for any state. I
am sure that the March 1-2 events showed the Armenian citizens,
how dangerous that path can be. It cannot lead to any solution,
but bring the country to instability and discouragement," assured
Grigory Karasin.

To Karasin’s opinion, both the President and the Prime Minister of
Armenia perfectly realize the situation and are able to control it,
as well as they have distinct plans of involving the constructive
opposition in the legal processes. The Russian representative expressed
hope that due to this notions Armenia shall soon return to stability
and predictability.

Karasin also suggested that the Armenian statehood has already passed
through that perilous period and is heading towards the times of
political reforms and dialogue.

Referring to the peace process on Nagorno-Karabakh and the armistice
break in March, Karasin said that there is still progress and
emphasized that due to the efforts of both the conflicting sides and
the interference of the Minsk Group, meetings of the Presidents of
Armenia and Azerbaijan are regularly held, unlike other conflicts in
the post-Soviet area.

"We were disturbed by the incident on the frontline in early March. It
is pleasure that it was localized and by efforts from both the sides,"
Karasin said.

He also remained that the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group were
against the Resolution, passed by Azerbaijan in the UN General
Assembly. "Such rapid initiatives in international structures, moreover
as influential as the UN, can hardly have any positive results, what
was fairly proved with the voting," added the Secretary of State. He
said he hopes that the peace process on Karabakh shall keep on going
in the same format, the Minsk Group intermediation, and that an
intergovernmental Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting shall be organized.

The Russian official explained that he decided not to meet
with opposition representatives, as the information provided
by the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister was quite
sufficient. "We know, what they think in the opposition camp. We
have an embassy here, and friends, in all the spheres of political
and social life. No need to doubt whether we possess all necessary
information or no," he concluded.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress