"CAUCAUS-2009" SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE KICKED OFF IN YEREVAN

ARMENPRESS
MAY 21, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS: "Caucasus" two-day scientific conference
kicked off today in Yerevan with participation of Armenian and
foreign experts and political analysts. Richard Kirakosyan, director
of the Armenian Strategic and National Researches Center, said that in
2009 a serious situation was created in the region. "Armenia tried to
contribute to the stability and development of the region alone trying
to regulate the Armenian-Turkish relations. Armenia as always expressed
its distinct position in this direction, which is maintained up today.

Our position to regulate relations with neighbors without proposing
preconditions is supported by super powers – European Union, USA,
Russia. In that regard Armenia’s positions are very firmer and more
powerful than two years ago," R. Kirakosyan said. He expressed concern
about the foreign policy assumed by Turkey, as a result of which the
regulation process of Armenian-Turkish relations has entered a stage of
"frosting".

"I do agree with Armenia’s decision that Armenia cannot wait for
Turkey’s wish over the regulation of the relations any more. Turkey
is responsible for the failure of the process and the second step
must be made by it," the political analyst said.

Ivlian Khandava, director of the Georgian Development and Cooperation
Center, political analyst, said he is of the opinion that the region
faces not only political but lingual and cultural issues as well.

According to him, the reason of the issue of Javakhk is the non-ability
of realizing the self-governing process of the population.

The parliament members elected there have never presented in the
parliament the issues their electors face," he said.

The Georgian political analyst noted with pain that after the 2008
August events the situation in Georgia is not very stable. "Georgia’s
reputation as stable and strong state has apparently fallen. Its
reason is the irresponsible authorities of Georgia, and the part of
the opposition. As a result of their activities, Abkhazia and South
Ossia actually have been separated from Georgia," I. Khaindrava said.

Speaking of Georgian-American relations, he noted that currently
Washington is discontent with Georgia, especially with the
irresponsible activity of President Michael Saakashvili. "In contrast
to George Bush administration, with who Saakashvili had friendly
relations, Obama’s administration implements calmer and balanced
policy toward Georgia," I. Khaindrava said.

Referring to Georgian-Russian relations, he expressed an opinion that
the regulation of the relations between the two countries is just a
necessity from all the viewpoints, "Unfortunately, there are unsolved
issues. Russia does not wish to negotiate with Saakahshvili. Yes,
Saakashvili is an issue, but it is our issue," he said.

Ono Simons, head of the press, economy and policy department of the
European Commission delegation in Armenia, said that the strengthening
of the peace and stability in the region is necessary not only for
the countries of the region, but for Europe and the USA as well.

"Serious steps are necessary to undertake for the stability of the
region. We tie hopes with South Caucasus countries and do our best
to promote the regulation and establishment of relations," he said
adding that it will be possible only thanks to a dialogue. According
to Ono Simons, we must take every chance for the dialogue. "Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Georgia are participants of the EU "Eastern Partnership"
program. They must use the opportunities afforded by this European
institution to solve the current issues. The development of the region
will be impossible without that," Ono Simons said.