PanARMENIAN.Net

Tensions in Caucasus not reducing over ongoing propaganda war between
Yerevan and Baku
04.07.2008 18:09 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Russia is concerned over West’s increasing presence
in Georgia and Azerbaijan, since it can later turn over to Armenia,
thus embracing the entire South Caucasus, according to a Russian
expert.

`Trip to Baku is not Medvedev’s only visit to Transcaucasia. He also
plans to visit Armenia,’ Vadim Mukhanov, senior fellow of the Center
of Caucasian Studies at Moscow State Institute of International
Relations, said when commenting on the outcomes of the Russian
President’s visit to Azerbaijan.

`The talks focused on possibilities to intensify political and
economic cooperation, specifically in energy sector. The Russian
government supports Gazprom’s talks with local companies on Azeri gas
purchase while Azerbaijan is interested in entering the Russian
market,’ he said.

`However, relations between Russia and Azerbaijan are restricted to
state interests of both states. It’s obvious that Russia will not
sacrifice its strategic partnership with Armenia for closer relations
with Azerbaijan,’ he said, adding, `Tensions in Caucasus are not
reduced over ongoing propaganda war between Yerevan and Baku, which is
pregnant with a new burst of violence,’ Mukhanov said.

Among other issues discussed by the Russian and Azeri leaders, the
expert mentioned illegal migration, IA Regnum reports.