Armenia should first recognize Karabakh's independence, Russian expert says

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia's position is tat Karabakh should be independent, a Russian expert said.



"It's another matter whether NK will join Armenia as a confederation or function as an independent state," said Mikhail Alexandrov, head of the Caucasus department at the Institute of CIS studies.



As a matter of fact, we have a similar situation as in case in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, according to him.



"The Karabakh problem, against the West's wishes, will not be resolved, since Serzh Sargsyan will stand firmly in defense of national interests of the Armenian people. Watching Russia's position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Armenia will urge Russia to smooth its position on Karabakh. However, Russia expects Armenia to be the first to recognize independence of Nagorno Karabakh," Alexandrov said.