  Experts on Caucasus-2012 drills: Russia warns Azerbaijan against war September 18, 2012 - 21:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Azeri experts commented on Russia-hosted Caucasus-2012 large scale military drills. According to Azeri military expert Uzeir Jafarov, Russia has never seen military exercises of this scale. “President Putin’s attendance leads us to think that the drills are crucial to Russia, with Moscow developing scenarios to repel possible threats. Moscow means to show that events at South Caucasus are not an unsolvable issue to Russia,” he said. Foreign policy expert Farhad Mehdiyev believes the drills might be a hint to Azerbaijan. “Extradition and release of Azeri officer Ramil Safarov, stalemate in Karabakh issue settlement trigger ideas of a military settlement of the conflict. Joint CSTO drills in Armenia followed by Caucasus 2012-military exercises speak volumes.” “Russia is sending a warning to Georgia and Azerbaijan against any thoughts of a war,” the expert said. Azeri diplomat, political scientist Vafa Guluzade, believes Russia is getting ready for a new Caucasus war, while “concealing the actual situation in Dagestan, which strongly opposes Russian pressure.” “The situation in North Caucasus is highly strained; people are striving towards Islam, with Russia having lost its economic, political and military power,” Vesti.az. quoted the expert as saying.   Top stories The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. London’s Armenian community has been left feeling “under attack” after the city’s Genocide monument was vandalised. The United States believes there should be an international mission to provide transparency.   Partner news |  Latest news Turkey extends military presence in Azerbaijan  The Turkish parliament has adopted a bill submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extend the mandate of Turkish troops.Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skillsArmenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi ArabiaPashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. |
