Caucasus - Zone of Russian Strategic Interests conference held in MoscowApril 29, 2009 - 12:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Caucasus - Zone of Russian Strategic Interests conference took place at Yusupov Hall in Moscow on the initiative of Terrorism Threat Analysis Center, which constantly monitors problems of Russian policy in Caucasus. Representatives of Russian expert community, ethnic Diasporas and communities (Armenian, Georgian, Kurdish) and guests from Armenia took part in conference. Speakers also referred to topics not directly related to South Caucasus. Andrey Areshev, expert at Strategic Culture Foundation, noted that Caucasus is more often linked to Central Asia. "The Obama administration did not change the U.S. policy, but on the contrary, made it more flexible and dynamic. The countries of the region are offered new schemes and options by U.S. but not Russia. Armenian-Turkish relations dynamics is an obvious example," he said. Normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations and its possible influence on Russian military presence in region were also discussed. Other issues in focus were: energy factors, military instability, security of cargo transportation and reduction of military risks. It is well known that these rates are based on reliable information of conflict dynamics in different regions. Ruben Zargaryan, Advisor to NKR Foreign Minister, dwelled on different aspects of Nagorno Karabakh conflict resolution. 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 | U.S., Armenia sign customs deal According to Armenian customs data, U.S.-Armenian trade reached $670 million last year. Glendale mayor to visit Yerevan Asatryan last visited Armenia in December 2022-January 2023 as she helped establish a partnership between Armenia’s Opera House and Los Angeles Opera. Ucom’s fixed network launches in Nor Hachn City residents will be able to use fixed-line Internet, mobile communications and television in one package at more affordable prices. Ambassador summoned to Russia returns to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin has returned to Yerevan more than two weeks after being recalled to Moscow for consultations. |