RUSSIA UPHOLDS STATUS QUO IN KARABAKH
The Messenger
Jan 20 2010
Georgia
The normalisation of relations between Armenia and Turkey has
hit a reef. Turkey considers that progress being made in the
resolution of the Karabakh conflict is an essential condition of this
normalisation, and Azerbaijan will probably demand this for the sake
of Turkish-Azerbaijan relations. However Yerevan says that these two
issues should not be connected.
Almost the same idea was expressed by Russian Premier Putin during his
Turkish counterpart’s visit to Russia. He said that both issues are
complicated enough in themselves, and linking them will make their
resolution even more complicated. Azeri officials observe that as
the Russian and Armenian positions coincide in this Moscow does not
support change in the South Caucasus.
Russia does not want to resolve the Karabakh conflict because then
Armenia would not need Russian military assistance. Azeri analysts
and political figures think that Putin did not say anything new.
Co-Chairman of the Azeri Social Democratic Party Araz Alizade has
stated that Russia supports establishing Turkish-Armenian relations
for its own benefit, on its own terms.