Russia relies on subtle diplomacy in Armenia-Turkey issueMay 11, 2009 - 17:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia relies on subtle diplomacy and is actually interested in success of Armenian-Turkish talks, according to an Armenian professor. "Moscow is attempting to cause a split between Azerbaijan and Turkey and is approaching its goal gradually," professor Ruben Safrastyan, director of NAS RA Institute of Oriental Studies, told a news conference today. "Russia has two objectives: to alienate Ankara from Washington and to divide Turkey and Azerbaijan on the Karabakh issue," he said. Commenting on results of social surveys which revealed concerns over possible opening of the Armenian-Turkish border, prof. Safrastyan said, "Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan rules the situation. His statements are meant to raise his party's rating." According to a poll conducted by Genar research organization, 67,6 % of respondents in 17 major Turkish cities opposed opening of the Armenian-Turkish border and establishment of diplomatic relations with Armenia. 32,4 % approved the idea. 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 | Concept to complete Yerevan Cascade discussed at city hall A conceptual proposal to complete the Cascade complex in downtown Yerevan has been presented by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Pashinyan visits flood-hit region Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Saturday, June 8 visited the disaster area in the Lori province. €3.5 mln EU grant to support justice reforms in Armenia The European Union has paid €3.5 mln grant to Armenia within a €11mln program on Support to Justice Reforms. Yerevan reacts to Baku’s proposal to see Minsk Group abolition Alen Simonyan has declared that Armenia is taking steps aimed at concluding a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. |