May 22, 2003 - 23:25 AMT
MOSCOW LIKE YEREVAN INTERESTED IN MAXIMAL STABILIZATION OF SITUATION IN SOUTH CAUCASUS, STATE DUMA VICE-SPEAKER SAID
Russia, as well as Armenia, is interested in maximal stabilization of the situation in the South Caucasus, specifically, relations with Georgia. Russian State Duma vice-speaker, co-chair of the Union of Rightwing Forces of Russia Irina Khakamada told "Arminfo" agency in Yerevan. In her words, Russia considers its strategic interests first of all within the CIS framework, however Armenia prefers solving real tasks, not some fantastical ones, e.g. accession to the NATO and the European Union. Armenia recognizes that its political and economic cooperation with Russia will profit itself much in the future, Khakamada noted. Speaking of restoration of communication via the Abkhazian railway, the vice-speaker emphasized that the issue was being solved at the highest level today. In her words, it is a very delicate issue, which become political long ago and the opportunity of stabilization of the situation in the whole of the South Caucasus depends on its solution.