Caucasus tensions pregnant with strengthening on U.S. positions in Black Sea regionFebruary 16, 2009 - 15:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The mechanism of the Russian-Turkish political consultations is far from being perfect, a Russian expert said. "Although Ankara seems to alienate from the U.S. and Europe, it still remains NATO key member in the region," Andrey Areshev, expert at Strategic Culture Fund, said in a peace of opinion titled "Russia-Turkey: preparation for breakthrough?" Big politics affects bilateral relations, according to him. "Just remember the maneuvers of NATO armada in the Black Sea in August-September 2008. To alleviate tensions, which could inflict huge losses on Russian and Turkish companies, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov paid an extra visit to Turkey," he said. "The current situation in the Caucasus is unstable. While the new U.S. administration is developing its foreign policy, Tbilisi is trying to pose as a victim of aggression. The risk of new tensions still persists. It can help the U.S. strengthen positions in the Black Sea region, what is neither in Moscow or Ankara's interest. In this case, Turkey will have to choose between loyalty "to the elder brother" and friendly relations with Russia," Areshev said. He also emphasized that according to bilateral political agreement on security in the Black Sea Region, parties "confirm the importance of strengthening cooperation" within the framework of the Black Sea Naval Co-operation Task Group (BLACKSEAFOR), Black Sea Harmony operation and other mechanisms combating asymmetrical challenges. ''Russia and Turkey endorse regular contacts between Defense Ministers and General Staff Chiefs of Black Sea countries," Areshev said. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Lemkin Institute petition seeks release of Armenians in Azerbaijan The Lemkin Institute is deeply concerned about the continued illegal detention of political prisoners from Karabakh in Azerbaijan. Armenian Catholicos calls for national unity against threats Karekin II issued a message on Republic Day marking the anniversary of the First Armenian Republic. Pashinyan: Armenia’s desired goal is “on the horizon” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Armenia is moving forward “without interruption”. Opposition leader, supporters spend night at Sardarapat memorial Police made nearly 300 arrests the day before as Galstanyan and his supporters continued to demonstrate in Yerevan. |