Armenian expert: Russia's intention to speed up Karabkah process incomprehensible

PanARMENIAN.Net - The 2008 events have created a new platform for the Karabakh process, said Sergei Minasyan, deputy director of the Caucasus Institute.



"Azerbaijan will never become a completely pro-western country, like Georgia. Moreover, the latter has been disvalued as an oil and gas transit country. The world powers gave a fresh look at Armenia, whose 'football diplomacy' produced an effect," he said during a round table discussion today.



"Turkey started developing its Caucasus stability and cooperation pact in spring and the five-day war in South Ossetia just pushed Ankara to action. Its initiative has changed the situation in the region," Minasyan said.



At that he noted that Russia's intention to speed up the Karabakh process is incomprehensible. "Russia is imitating the Ramboullet and Bucharest scenarios. However, the conflicting sides prefer to maintain the status quo and the mediation of U.S. and EU. I am not sure that stirring up the talks is in Russia interest," he said.