EuroNews – English
April 24, 2009 Friday

Russian and Armenian Presidents hold talks in the wake of Turkey decision

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has held talks with his Armenian
counterpart near Moscow.

But this was no walk in the park for either leader – both are
embroiled in a complex political situation.

Armenia wants to normalise relations with its neighbour, Turkey, which
experts say could upset the balance of political and economic power in
the east Caucasus.

quot;Lately several important steps have been taken. My latest
contact, today’s meeting with Serge Sarksyan and a recent meeting with
the President of Azerbaijan, confirm that both countries are ready to
act constructively to solve this very complicated problem.quot;
Mevedev told reporters.

Turkey shut its frontier with Armenia sixteen years ago in solidarity
with Muslim Azerbaijan over its dispute with ethnic Armenian
separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan is potentially a key supplier of oil and gas to the West
via Turkey. Diplomats fear Baku may choose to offer its supplies to
Russia for re-export if relations with Turkey take a turn for the
worse.