Dubien: rumors about France’s substitution in OSCE MG are speculationsMay 2, 2011 - 16:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Director of the Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS), Editor-in-Chief of Eurasia Intelligence Report, expert for Russia and post-Soviet countries Arnaud Dubien said that many people in Europe are concerned over arms race in South Caucasus, but leverages are limited. Answering a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter’s question, Dubien said: “Everyone witnesses increase in military budgets of the three countries of the region. But, on the other hand, what can one do – declare an embargo? It is not an easy matter. We can persuade that the arms race leads to a deadlock, that the money could be used for the countries development in other fields. And when we bring these arguments, in reply we hear statements that the conflicts are not solved and it is necessary to be ready for any developments. Many people are concerned over the situation, but leverages are limited, since these are sovereign states.” Commenting on statements about replacement of France as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair country, Dubien noted that similar rumors are circulated from time to time. “In my opinion, it is unlikely. Nobody in France would agree to give its place. The rumors about France’s substitution in the OSCE Minsk Group are speculations,” he concluded. 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 | Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Armenian Foreign Minister regrets “tragic loss” of Iranian counterpart The Armenian Foreign Ministry has expressed shock over the death of the Iranian President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Armenian PM sends condolences to Iran Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a message of condolence to the Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. |