Expert predicts Russia’s inactivity in South Caucasus under Putin’s rule

PanARMENIAN.Net - Political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's visit to Armenia was most likely linked to past presidential elections in Russia.

Speaking at a press conference in Yerevan on April 3, Melik-Shahnazaryan said that in addition to the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between Armenia and Russia, Lavrov's visit also aimed to collect information on stance of states in both South Caucasus and Middle Asia. In addition to Armenia and Azerbaijan, Russian FM is going to visit some Middle Asian countries as well.

The expert believes that during Vladimir Putin’s presidency, Russia will mainly focus on foreign policy and social-economic reforms because currently it faces huge public discontent.

Russia will not actively engage in foreign policy, particularly in Caucasus, mostly aiming to maintain the status-quo and the peace process of Karabakh conflict resolution.

Melik-Shahnazaryan emphasized that after U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and China’s strengthened position in Middle Asia, Russia will face far fewer problems.