OSTRICH’S POLICY IS NOT HELPFUL

A1+
[07:59 pm] 03 September, 2008

There was a moment when the Armenian leadership tried to follow
an ostrich’s policy. When the situation tensed in the region our
authorities were enjoying their holiday in Beijing," representative
of the Armenian National Congress Levon Zurabian said to A1+.

During yesterday’s Medvedev-Sarkissian meeting it became known that
Armenia is to express its stance on the recent tragic events in South
Ossetia in two days.

"Obviously, we cannot avoid sharing our stance under the given
situation. Somehow, the current situation is determined by the
indecision and inflexibility evinced at the first phase of the
conflict."

The situation was to be controlled, negotiations were to be conducted
with the conflicting sides and a solution acceptable for Armenia was
to be found in good time," notes Mr. Zurabian.

Zurabian says it is difficult to maintain good relations with Russia
and the West at a time although it would be the best solution.

"Naturally, Russia poses certain demands to its allies. Unfortunately,
it is too difficult to say how Armenia should behave under the given
situation as much depends on Russia’s demands. We do not possess
enough information to draw conclusions.

Apparently, the Armenian delegates are in a plight and they need to
adopt a flexible policy to come out of this painful situation".

Asked shouldn’t Armenia seize the opportunity and raise the issue
of the recognition of NKR independence by the Russian Federation,
Levon Zurabian said: "Such issues should be viewed only in case one
faces a real opportunity. Anyway, Armenia should somehow remind about
Karabakh otherwise the country will remain behind the times and new
developments."

Our three neighbouring unrecognized countries have been collaborating
for many years. The Nagorno Karabakh Republic was also proposed
partnership in the given format but the latter refused. Would the
Russian Federation recognise the NKR independence if Karabakh joined
in the format?

Levon Zurabian said in this context: "I don’t think Russia is ready
to recognise Karabakh’s independence today even if Karabakh joined
in the format. Today, Russia has problems with Georgia and wouldn’t
like to come into conflict with Azerbaijan. Therefore, I don’t think
Karabakh has made a fatal mistake in this case."

With regard to Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul’s visit to Armenia Levon
Zurabian said: At first sight the visit may sound as a PR-action for
the two sides. "Let’s hope for the best."