YEREVAN’S RESTRAINT AS REGARDS SOUTH OSSETIA AND ABKHAZIA CAN LAST LONG
PanARMENIAN.Net
10.09.2008 15:16 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The decision of the Russian leadership to recognize
independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia came like a bolt from the
blue, Andrey Areshev, expert at Strategic Culture Foundation said in
an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net.
"Actually, the situation was rather vague before the August 7-8 events,
although Georgian aggression was inevitable. In a recent interview
with CNN, Prime Minister Putin said, "We have considered all possible
variants, including direct aggression of the Georgian leadership."
Rebuff of the Georgian attack that was followed by Sarkozy’s cunning
mediation (probably meant to rescue Saakashvili from a final defeat)
accelerated the process of recognition. I should also mention that
any other decision on the republics’ status would be pregnant with
graver side effects for Russia," he remarked.
"As to Armenia, it has little space for maneuver under the
circumstances. It’s Russia’s strategic ally on the one hand and is
in direct dependence on Georgian communications, on the other. This
determines Armenia’s restraint. Serzh Sarsgyan’s statements were
absolutely adequate while "pro-Russian" remarks by his well-known
opponent were populist and crooked.
I suppose, new opportunities for progress have emerged. NKR welcomed
President Medvedev’s statement on recognition of Abkhazia and
South Ossetia. Russia could be more active in Karabakh conflict
resolution. Meanwhile, in case with Karabakh, Moscow will be more
restrained, just like Yerevan in case with recognition of the two
above-mentioned republics. However, this should not hamper resolution
of humanitarian issues," Areshev said.