Russian-Armenian Relations

[Armenian]

Re: Russian-Armenian Relations

Russian president hosts Armenian counterpart

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday hailed relations with Armenia and pledged to further bilateral ties during talks with his visiting counterpart of the Caucasus state. Relations between Moscow and Yerevan are those "of partners andallies," Medvedev told Armenian President Serzh Sargsian who is in Moscow for a three-day visit, Itar-Tass news agency reported. Medvedev suggested to talk about "the broadest spectrum of questions" during the meeting and hopes that it "will be productive and will be commensurate with the level of partnership and allied relations between the Russian Federation and Armenia." Sargsian expressed confidence that bilateral ties will develop along the road of mutual understanding and strategic partnership in accordance with bilateral treaties, Itar-Tass said. Russia and Armenia called for an early solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and pledged to take coordinate steps to ensure security in the South Caucasus, said a joint statement issued after the leader's talks in the Kremlin. Armed conflict broke out in the early 1990s between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region's status after it declared independence, which was not recognized by the international community. Nagorno-Karabakh, a region in northwest Azerbaijan, was populated mostly by ethnic Armenians. A Russian-brokered ceasefire halted the fighting in 1994, but the dispute remains unresolved. The presidents also spoke highly of cooperation in such sectors as oil and gas, transport and communications, mining and processing industries, as well as in the innovation sphere, Interfax reported. The visit is expected to boost trade and economic relations, as bilateral trade has surpassed 800 million U.S. dollars last year, Russian officials said. Armenia, with a population of three million, recorded 13-percent economic growth in 2007 and foreign trade reached 3.8 billion U.S. dollars, according to official statistics.

Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20...nt_8431718.htm

Russia, Armenia to develop strategic partnership relations

Russia and Armenia will develop their relations on the basis of large-scale strategic cooperation. “The cooperation will have the spirit of mutual trust, respect of the sovereignty, a peaceful settlement of disputes, not using force or a threat of force, non-interference in internal affairs of each other, equality and mutual benefit,” says a joint statement by the Russian and Armenian presidents, Dmitry Medvedev and Serzh Sargsian. Moscow and Yerevan “attach priority significance to the deepening of mutually beneficial economic cooperation”. The statement also cites as priorities the cooperation in the fuel and energy sector, transport, communications, steel, mining and processing industries and in the innovation sphere. The sides “will help the preservation of cultural and spiritual closeness of the two countries’ peoples and deepen relations in the sphere of culture, science, education, information and health care”. “The Russian and Armenian presidents are convinced that the current stage of the two countries’ relations opens a broad prospect for ally interaction and the intensive deepening of relations in all fields in the interest of development of the national economy, culture, ensuring peace, stability and guaranteed security in the Caucasus region and in the whole world,” the document says. The joint statement has 14 points presenting views of the presidents on different aspects of bilateral and international relations.

Source: http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2....6962&PageNum=0

Medvedev, Sargsyan to discuss Karabakh conflict

President Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia and Dmitry Medvedev of Russia will discuss the Karabakh conflict settlement, a source in Kremlin told RIA Novosti. “Russia’s position is unchangeable. We will help the sides to find an acceptable solution to the conflict,” the source said. “The Presidents will also refer to the international agenda.” Serzh Sargsyan is in Moscow for a formal 2-day visit on invitation of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. President Sargsyan is also scheduled to meet with Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Federation Council Chairman Sergei Mironov and State Duma Speaker Boris Gryzlov. He is also expected to lay a wreath to the Unknown Soldier’s Tomb and meet with representatives of the Armenian community.

Source: http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=26407

Russia and Armenia to coordinate foreign policies

Russian and Armenian presidents signed a joint declaration basing on the results of their meeting in the Kremlin, APA reports quoting Novosti-Armenia agency. The declaration signed by Dmitry Medvedev and Serzh Sargsyan says that Russia and Armenia will coordinate their foreign policies for joint activity towards security in the South Caucasus, reinforcement of stability and development of cooperation. The countries said they support peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict approved by all sides and welcomed OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs’ efforts in this direction.

Source: http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=51080

President of Armenia: "Nagorno Karabakh problem can not have a solution, envisioning degradation of the present status of Nagorno Karabakh people"

"People of Nagorno Karabakh has won its right for independence and Nagorno Karabakh problem can not have a solution, envisioning degradation of present status of Nagorno Karabakh people", said President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan during the meeting with Armenian community of Russia, which took place in the framework of official visit of the President to Moscow on June 23. Serzh Sargsyan told the community representatives that during the meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev the sides agreed to continue talks in the framework of the document, which includes all basic principles of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. "Nagorno Karabakh has never been part of Azerbaijan. It was transferred to the Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan by illegal decision of the party body, explaining that this step will help spread ideas of October revolution and communism in the Islamic East", noted Serzh Sargsyan.

Source: http://www.today.az/news/politics/45928.html

Armenia, Russia to develop military and political cooperation

Russia and Armenia will develop military and political cooperation not directed against third states, says a join statement signed by Dmitry Medvedev and Serzh Sargsyan on outcomes of their Kremlin talks. “The countries will help the process of international control over armament and promote efficiency of multilateral agreements,” the statement said. Russia and Armenia agreed to “develop constructive cooperation on bilateral basis and in the framework of the UN, OSCE, CIS, CSTO and other international organizations in the name of regional and international peace.” Both sides confirmed adherence to the UN regulations and spoke out for strengthening the organization’s potential to resist new challenges. “Russia and Armenia also intend to promote CIS development and confirmed importance of the CSTO as guarantor of security of its member states,” the statement says, RIA Novosti reports.

Source: http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=26421

Russia and Armenia will work to resume operation of railway communications in Caucasus

Russia and Armenia will work to resume the operation of railway and other communications in the Caucasus, says the joint statement of the Armenian and Russian Presidents. Serzh Sargsyan and Dmitry Medvedev said they “will coordinate their activities with a purpose to strengthen security and stability in the South Caucasus.” The document also says that Yerevan and Moscow stand for soonest peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict on the basis of an agreement acceptable for all sides and welcome the endeavors of the OSCE Minsk Group.

Source: http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=26423

[Armenian]

Re: Russian-Armenian Relations

Armenia should first recognize Karabakh’s independence, Russian expert says

Armenia’s position is that Karabakh should be independent, a Russian expert said. “It’s another matter whether NK will join Armenia as a confederation or function as an independent state,” said Mikhail Alexandrov, head of the Caucasus department at the Institute of CIS studies. As a matter of fact, we have a similar situation as in case in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, according to him. “The Karabakh problem, against the West’s wishes, will not be resolved, since Serzh Sargsyan will stand firmly in defense of national interests of the Armenian people. Watching Russia’s position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Armenia will urge Russia to smooth its position on Karabakh. However, Russia expects Armenia to be the first to recognize independence of Nagorno Karabakh,” Alexandrov said.

Source: http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=26450

President of Armenia: "Nagorno Karabakh problem can not have a solution, envisioning degradation of the present status of Nagorno Karabakh people"

"People of Nagorno Karabakh has won its right for independence and Nagorno Karabakh problem can not have a solution, envisioning degradation of present status of Nagorno Karabakh people", said President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan during the meeting with Armenian community of Russia, which took place in the framework of official visit of the President to Moscow on June 23. Serzh Sargsyan told the community representatives that during the meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev the sides agreed to continue talks in the framework of the document, which includes all basic principles of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. "Nagorno Karabakh has never been part of Azerbaijan. It was transferred to the Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan by illegal decision of the party body, explaining that this step will help spread ideas of October revolution and communism in the Islamic East", noted Serzh Sargsyan.

Source: http://www.today.az/news/politics/45928.html

Russia’s Foreign Minister: Nagorno Karabakh conflict has no military solution

Baku. Lachin Sultanova-APA. “Nagorno Karabakh conflict has no military solution,” Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said after meting with his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian in Moscow, APA reports. Lavrov said it is the position of Minsk Group co-chairs and underlined that if both sides demonstrate political will, the problem can be solved soon. “The main thing is that concrete negotiations are being held for the settlement of the conflict, the sides have intentions to discuss the unsolved issues and the Minsk Group co-chairs are resolute to help the sides,” he said. The Minister also said that the mediators understand the intention of foreign players to help the process. Sergey Lavrov expressed his confidence that the reached agreements will contribute to the settlement.

Source: http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=49767

Some more Russian companies’ websites show Nagorno Karabakh as independent state

Baku. Zaur nurmammadov-APA. APA Information Agency continues to find out the companies showing Azerbaijan’s Nagorno Karabakh region, as an independent state, or a part of Armenia. The website of Russia’s “Rosfoto” photo bank showed Nagorno Karabakh as a part of Armenia. “This is the most ancient monastery in Nagorno Karabakh that is a part of Armenia” is written under the photo of one of the temples of Dadivank monastery. Besides, STREAM internet project, which is engaged in taking, publishing and keeping the photos, also showed Nagorno Karabakh as an independent state. Photos of Azerbaijan’s occupied territory Nagorno Karabakh have been posted on the website. One of them is the photo of the building knocked down during Karabakh war “This building is located in the center of Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno Karabakh Republic. A part of the building was knocked down as a result of attack of Azerbaijani aviation, but the façade of the building is being restored” is written under the photo. Nagorno Karabakh is shown as an independent state on the website of Russia’s Zolotaya Korona company producing flags and pennons

Source: http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=50256

[Armenian]

Re: Russian-Armenian Relations

Russian, Armenian leaders to discuss trade, energy, Caucasus

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Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will discuss trade, energy and the South Caucasus situation with his Armenian counterpart during a visit to Armenia October 20-21, a Kremlin source said on Sunday. Medvedev will pay an official visit to Armenia on the invitation of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. The visit aims to strengthen the relations of strategic partnership between Russia and Armenia, the Kremlin source said. Bilateral trade and economic cooperation will top the agenda of talks between the Russian and Armenian leaders, the Kremlin source said. "Bilateral trade grew 13%, year-on-year, in the first eight months of 2008 to $536.5 million. Russia is a leading trade partner of Armenia and holds leading positions in terms of investment in the Armenian economy, with accrued investment from Russia topping $1.6 billion from 1991 to July 1, 2008," the Kremlin source said. The parties will also focus on joint energy projects and the industrial development of uranium deposits in Armenia, the source said. At their talks in Yerevan, the Russian and Armenian leaders will also discuss the situation in South Caucasus following Georgia's recent attack on breakaway South Ossetia, and other topical international issues, the Kremlin source said. Russia recognized South Ossetia along with Abkhazia as independent states on August 26, two weeks after it forced out Georgian troops that had tried to retake control of South Ossetia. Tensions remain high in the region, and Georgia continues to demand that Russia withdraw its troops from the two republics.

Source: http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081019/117821199.html

Russia's Medvedev to begin two-day official visit to Armenia

President Dmitry Medvedev began a two-day visit on Monday to Armenia, caught in a precarious security deadlock in the Caucasus following Russia's recent war with Georgia. The trips marks Medvedev's fifth meeting this year with Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian, a firm Moscow ally. "The main provision on the agenda of Medvedev's visit will be talks in the tete-a-tete and extended formats talks with Sarkisian," a Kremlin official said on customary condition of anonymity Monday. "This vividly proves the high level of political dialog aimed at the further strengthening of strategic partnership." The official added that trade and economic relations were the primary topics of discussion. Formerly known as the Soviet Union's manufacturing hub, Armenia has remained firmly under Moscow's radius with Russian business holding near total control over Armenia's energy and transportation sectors. But an unannounced visit by Russia's Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to the Armenian capital of Yerevan earlier this month sparked rumours in the Russian press that Moscow is pushing for a wider bilateral military partnership. Russian daily Nezavesimaya Gazeta quoted the head of Armenia's parliamentary defence committee as saying Russia could could deploy new military bases in Armenia and even peacekeepers in Nagarno-Karabakh, an area Armenia fought a war over with Azerbaijan in the early 1990s. But analysts on Monday downplayed such a scenario, saying Russia's current presence at the Gyumir base, near Armenia's border with Turkey, is already so strong further deployments were senseless. They said Armenia was not keen for a Russian military presence in the frozen conflict zone of Nagarno-Karabakh, fearing to exacerbate with neighboring Georgia. "Armenia is treading a very thin line, they don't want to upset Georgia or burgeoning relations with NATO, at the same time they see Russia as their last line of defence in the case of an attack," Moscow-based independent military analyst Pavel Felgenhauer said. "Armenia has reason to worry that Georgia not join the blockade against it," Felgenhauer told Deutsche Presse-Agentur.

Source: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/s...o-armenia.html

Dmitry Medvedev arrived in Yerevan

Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev arrived in Yerevan on October 20 evening. After the welcome ceremony the heads of state will head for the residence of the Armenian President for a formal dinner. The Presidents are scheduled to hold a tête-à-tête presidential to be followed by expanded talks during which a number of documents on cooperation will be signed. On October 21, the Presidents of Armenia and Russia will take part in opening ceremony of Square of Russia in front of the House of Moscow in Yerevan. Mr. Medvedev will also lay a wreath to the Armenian Genocide Memorial.

Source: http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=27406

[Armenian]

Re: Russian-Armenian Relations

A very symbolic day in Armenian-Russian relations.

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Russian, Armenian leaders to talk trade, energy, Caucasus

Square of Russia unveiled in Armenian capital: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05LdeJ_wcHM

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will discuss trade, energy and conflict in the South Caucasus with his Armenian counterpart, Serzh Sargisyan, at talks in Armenia on October 21, a Kremlin official said. Bilateral trade grew 13%, year-on-year, in the first eight months of 2008 to reach $536.5 million, the Kremlin said earlier. Russia is a leading trade partner of Armenia and is one of the biggest investors in the country's economy, with accrued investment from Russia topping $1.6 billion from 1991 to July 1, 2008. The parties will also focus on joint energy projects and the industrial development of uranium deposits in Armenia, the official said earlier. At their talks in the capital Yerevan, the presidents will also discuss the situation in the South Caucasus following Russia's brief war with Georgia, and other pressing international issues. Russia recognized South Ossetia along with Georgia's other breakaway region Abkhazia as independent states on August 26, after it forced out Georgian troops that had tried to retake control of South Ossetia. Tensions remain high in the region, and Georgia continues to demand that Russia withdraw its troops from the two republics. In September Armenia and other countries in the post-Soviet alliance Commonwealth of Independent States announced their support for Russia over its conflict with Georgia, but stopped short of recognizing the two provinces. Ex-Soviet Armenia is itself locked in a bitter territorial conflict with Azerbaijan. Armenia receives most of its gas from Russia. The tiny Caucasus nation has high unemployment and widespread poverty. Its economic problems are aggravated by a trade embargo, imposed by neighboring Turkey and ex-Soviet Azerbaijan since the dispute over Nagorny Karabakh. Russia has a military base in Gyumri in Armenia.

Source: http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081021/117848345.html

Medvedev pushes ties on Armenia visit

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev pushed to strengthen longstanding ties with Armenia on a visit Tuesday, amid shifting political currents in the turbulent Caucasus after August's war in Georgia. Ahead of talks with Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisian, Medvedev presided at the renaming of a central Yerevan square as Russia Square, saying: "We want the Armenian people to live in a strong, flourishing and stable state. "I am sure the Armenian people also wish us peace, power and well-being." A Kremlin official said talks between the two leaders would examine "the situation in the Caucasus that has resulted from the Georgian regime's aggression against South Ossetia" -- the separatist zone at the centre of the Georgia-Russia war in August. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the leaders were also to discuss the simmering conflict over Nagorny Karabakh, a territory inside Azerbaijan that Armenia took control of in a war in the 1990s. Russia's Izvestia daily said that of the three nations of the South Caucasus, Armenia, home to a Russian military base, stood out for its loyalty to Moscow. "Russia is essentially the only path to the outside world" for Armenia, the newspaper said, noting the country's relative isolation due to poor relations with neighbours Azerbaijan and Turkey. However, some observers believe the conflict over South Ossetia, which disrupted gas supplies to Armenia, may be spurring Armenia to seek other supporters in addition to Russia. Armenia took an ambiguous stance on the conflict and refused to follow Moscow's lead in recognising the independence of the rebel Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Armenia is increasingly being courted by Western powers, including the United States and long-time foe Turkey, a big NATO power in the region. Armenia has been visited in recent days by a top US diplomat, Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried, following a historic visit in September by Turkish President Abdullah Gul. Gul's trip to watch a football match was the first time a Turkish head of state had visited Armenia, reflecting long bitterness over Armenian accusations that mass killings of Armenians under Ottoman Turkey amounted to genocide. Turkey was closely involved in diplomatic efforts over the August war in Georgia, proposing a new format for diplomacy it dubbed a "Platform for Cooperation and Stability in the Caucasus." On Monday the Russian daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta said Moscow had been angered by Armenia's less than full support in the conflict with Georgia, saying that "Russian-Armenian relations have left the phase of serenity."

Source: http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5...hY7o7dKmKQdKkA

Armenian, Russian presidents attend gala ceremony in Yerevan

The presidents of Armenia and Russia have attended a gala ceremony of opening Square of Russia in Yerevan on Tuesday. The square is situated in the area between the buildings of the Yerevan Mayor's office and the city History Museum and the House of Moscow - a cultural and business center. In the beginning of the gala ceremony the national anthems of the two countries were played. Yerevan city mayor Ervand Zakharyan bid welcome to the Russian president on behalf of the people of Armenia and residents of Yerevan, in particular. "We look upon the Russian president’s visit to Armenia as an important event symbolizing strong friendship between the Russian and Armenian people," the Yerevan city mayor said in his welcoming speech. "The Armenian people historically regard the Russian state and its people as their closest friends, and today they believe they have a reliable friend and partner in all fields personified by Russia and its president," the mayor said. The capitals of the two countries - Yerevan and Moscow, have close relations of partnership in all fields and set a good example of cooperation between cities. The Armenian people deeply value mutual friendship that withstood the test of time. To reaffirm this friendship the Yerevan City Council made a decision to name the square in the city center, that has a key administrative importance, Square of Russia, the mayor said. Residents of Yerevan who attended the ceremony warmly greeted the two presidents who spoke at the ceremony. In his speech the Armenian president praised bonds of undying friendship between the Russian and Armenian people. "Throughout the entire history and despite hardships and mischief that befell us friendship between the two countries remained as strong as ever and became even stronger and more meaningful as centuries go by.” “The Great Russian people made a unique contribution to the treasury of the world civilization. The national flags of Armenia and Russia hoisted above this square are not only a symbol of our relations as allies, but personify our cultural and historical unity,” the Armenian president said. "Today, Square of Russia has become another symbol of faithfulness to age long fraternity and spiritual closeness of our people. It is like world famous St. Basil Cathedral in Red Square in Moscow with its unique side chapels, with one of them named after St. Gregory the Illuminator. Let Square of Russia be a favorite place the Armenian people and guests will enjoy and become another symbol of faithfulness to our friendship for the benefit of our countries and people," the Armenian president said. Upon completion of the ceremony Dmitry Medvedev and Serzh Sargsyan inaugurated a memorable plaque to commemorate the historic event.

Source: http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2....3716&PageNum=0

Square of Russia unveiled in Armenian capital

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Armenian counterpart have opened the Square of Russia in the Armenian capital. At a solemn opening ceremony, Medvedev described the relations between his country and Armenia ‘an age-old friendship’. “The square we are now in was named after our country,” he said. “It is with deep gratitude that we see this as a sign of respect towards modern democratic Russia and its people. Also, it is a sign of respect for our common history, a recognition of the immense value of our age-old friendship.” Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said at the ceremony that he hopes the Square will become a symbol of devotion and friendship between the allied nations. The statements came ahead of face to face talks between the countries’ presidents. The leaders are expected to discuss economic, humanitarian and global economic issues.

Source: http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/32166

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And to impress Armenians of the Diaspora... In a highly symbolic gesture to show that Russia supports Armenian claims against Turkey, president Medvedev made a highly significant appearance at the Armenian Genocide memorial complex at Tsitsernakaberd where he viewed historic archives and photographs of the tragedy at the on-site museum. President Medvedev was also photographed watering a newly planted tree at the complex in accordance with tradition. Earlier this year on his working visit to Armenia president of Iran Ahmadinejad, mindful of Tehran's close relations with Turkey, avoided making such an appearance at Tsitsernakaberd, unexpectedly leaving Armenia a day ahead of schedule. The puzzling part for me is this; Russia is a much bigger trading partner with Turkey than Iran is and Moscow has very warm relations with Ankara. Why did the Iranian flee Armenia when the Armenian Genocide was brought up and the Russian did not?

Armenian

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Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (R) visits a museum commemorating those who died in the 1915 mass killing of Armenians in Yerevan October 21, 2008. Russia said on Tuesday it hoped to bring together leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to discuss their dispute over breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh, as Moscow vies with the West for influence in the Caucasus region.

Visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev lays a wreath at the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, Armenia, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008. Armenians were killed between 1915 and 1919 in what is now eastern Turkey. Turkey denies the deaths constituted genocide, saying that the toll has been inflated and that those killed were victims of civil war and unrest.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev waters a tree at Memory Alley near the Genocide Museum in Yerevan on October 21, 2008. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev pushed to strengthen longstanding ties with Armenia on a visit, amid shifting political currents in the turbulent Caucasus after August's war in Georgia.

[ZORAVAR]

Re: Russian-Armenian Relations

Video of Medvedev's visit to Yerevan

http://en.rian.ru/video/20081021/117869210.html

[Armenian]

Re: Russian-Armenian Relations

Zatulin has made similar comments in the past, so have many other Russian politicians and experts as a matter of fact... Zatulin's expressed sentiments, surprisingly candid as they are, reflect what I and many others like me have been saying for many years now; namely that it is in Russia's national interest to maintain a strong Armenia/Artsakh as a buffer state against Turkish, Western and Iranian encroachment into the Caucasus. In my opinion, his sentiments are exactly what Russian officials (the patriotic/nationalist one's, at the very least) are thinking in the Kremlin today, despite diplomatic talk that may sometimes suggest otherwise. His sentiments regarding Armenia also accurately reflect what is happening on the ground today. What's more, saying what he said, if he did say it, required a lot of courage (and political calculation) on his part because such talk dangerously deviates from sound diplomatic discourse. Nonetheless, in the world's current and foreseeable geopolitical climate Yerevan has no other option but to fully and unconditionally serve Moscow. As painful as this realization may be for some, it's that simple. To put this all in better perspective, compare what Zatulin (a very high ranking Russian official in Moscow) has supposedly said to what American/European officials have been saying regarding Armenia/Artsakh for years. Compare the political, economic, technical and military assistance Armenia gets from Russia to the pocket change that is thrown at Armenia by the West. Let's not fool ourselves here, the bottom line is Armenia/Artsakh exists today as a nation state due to Armenia's close relationship with the Russian Federation. Without a strong Russian representation in the Caucasus there simply can't be an Armenia...

KONSTANTIN ZATULIN: NAGORNO-KARABAKH TO BE RECOGNIZED SOONER OR LATER


YEREVAN, 18.11.08. DE FACTO. ‘’Nagorno-Karabakh will come to recognition sooner or later. Karabakh will not return within Azerbaijan’’, Konstantin Zatulin, the deputy Chairman of Russia’s State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Director of the Institute of CIS Studies, stated in the course of a news conference held at the Novosti Press Center today. According to Zatulin, Azerbaijanis are also aware of the fact. However, in his words, the Azerbaijani politicians cannot exceed the established limits. Nevertheless, presenting, in his words, Russia’s official stand, Zatulin noted that Russia was not ready to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence, especially taking into consideration that Armenia had not done it yet. ‘’However, my own stand is as follows: it is possible not to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh de jure as much as one likes, however, it de facto exists’’, Konstantin Zatulin noted. At that, in Konstantin Zatulin’s words, no one can prove that nations’ right to self-determination yields priority to territorial integrity’s principle. Zatulin is sure that the final word rests with people, if they consistently display their will.

From http://www.defacto.am/index.php?OP=71340649

[Armenian]

Re: Russian-Armenian Relations

Russia, Armenia Seek Broader Ties - Putin

Russia and Armenia plan to take measures to bolster their bilateral cooperation, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said ahead of talks with his Armenian counterpart Tigran Sargsyan on Friday. "The results we have achieved [in our cooperation] are far from being the limit for our countries. We plan to increase our cooperation," Putin said. The overall amount of Russia's accumulated investment in the Armenian economy totals $1.6 billion, and bilateral trade grew by nearly 17% in 2007, he said. "I believe it is quite useful to expand the Armenia-based operations of major Russian companies like Gazprom, Inter RAO UES, RZHD and some banks, including VTB," the Russian prime minister said. Joint projects in areas such as the fuel and energy sector, non- ferrous metals, transport, construction, and information technologies hold great promise, Putin said. Armenia and Russia have a strategic relationship, Prime Minister Sargsyan said. Such consultations are important and useful amid the ongoing global financial crisis, he said. "We should coordinate our efforts, which will obviously make it easier for us to deal with the difficulties facing our economies today," the Armenian official said.

Source: http://www.istockanalyst.com/article...d_2859895.html

[Armenian]

Re: Russian-Armenian Relations

An interesting article regarding how positively Armenians of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh Republic) view Russia. The author of the article, however, inline with CIA front office ArmeniaNow policy, had to make several inaccurate/half true remarks to balance out the overall pro-Russian tone of the article. It was stated that Stepanakert more-or-less rejected Moscow's peace plan and that Armenians in Artsakh distrust Russian troops due to Russian actions against the Armenian population of the region during the early stages of the conflict...

Three points:

1) If Moscow for whatever reason decided that it definitely wants to station combat troops (peacekeepers) in Nagorno Karabagh - what Armenian in his/her right mind would think that Yerevan or Stepanakert can stop them from doing so?

2) If Moscow for whatever reason decided to settle the conflict in question without the participation of Stepanakert - what Armenian in his/her right mind would think that Yerevan or Stepanakert can stop them from doing so?

3) When Moscow moved against the Armenians in Nagorno Karabagh during the early stages of the conflict in Artsakh it was not the Russian Federation doing so it was Communism. Communist Moscow at the time was simply defending the territorial integrity of the Soviet Union.

Armenian

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Foreign Policy: Russia’s influence extending in Karabakh

After the signing last month of the “Moscow Declaration” (by the presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia) Russia’s role in Armenia’s and Karabakh’s domestic and foreign policies has become one of most fervently discussed topics here. During the past year the slant towards Russia in the policy of Karabakh authorities became obvious, while Karabakh leaders’ good feelings for Russia are obvious as well. And it’s not accidental that more and more Russia-based Armenian businessmen are attracted to Karabakh’s restoration and development. Right after President Bako Sahakyan’s coming to office in 2007, a new restaurant named ‘Rossia’ opened in Stepanakert next to a Soviet era cinema carrying the same name. Russian-Armenian businessmen, Russian experts participating in “international” conferences, sessions, discussions, became frequent guests in Karabakh. Many explain such interest in Russia by the fact that before his appointment as the Head of NKR National Security Service in 2002, Sahakyan had been working in Moscow and acquired many friends.

One of the most vivid expressions of friendship became Russia-based businessman Samvel Karapetyan’s promise to donate $15 million to the construction of a new building for Karabakh’s Republican hospital. The current hospital was built in 1935 and is no longer fit for its intended purpose. For the past decade Karabakh authorities have been trying to convince sponsors, mostly American, to allot money to the construction of a new hospital, but because it’s very costly, no progress has been made in that respect. After Sahakyan came to presidency, finally land was found to room the hospital building, digging and earthwork started, and the project was on its way. Where all the money previously collected for these purposes went, nobody knows. Instead Karapetyan has now offered to finance the whole project.

Karapetyan declared the $15 million as his donation to “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund. It was the biggest donation the Fund has ever had during the 11 years of its telethon history. Until then the record holder was Kirk Kerkorian, who promised to double the total amount of money collected during one of telethons and donated some $5 million. There are other examples of Russian philanthropy in NKR. Quite recently the Republican Children’s Hospital was put in commission in Stepanakert. It was reconstructed by financial support of Russia-based entrepreneurs. General Manager of ArmRosgazprom Karen Karapetyan was present at the opening ceremony. Twelve years after passing the Law on Languages (declaring Armenian as the state language in educational institutions), the first state school with Russian bias opened in Stepanakert. Starting September 1, classes at school N3 are held in Russian. Before 1996, 3 out of 10 schools of the capital were with Russian bias. Examples abound, added to the fact that the majority of remittances to Karabakh are from Russia, where many families having left their homeland now live.

It’s in this highlight that Russia activates its efforts in the settlement process of the Karabakh issue. The Moscow Declaration did not receive, though, a unanimous response in Karabakh. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in its comment that despite the positive impulses expressed in the item about exceptionally political means of settling the conflict, the absence of Karabakh’s signature reduces the declaration to zero. The hearsay that Russian peacekeepers would be placed in Karabakh wasn’t approved in Karabakh either, as people can still remember how Russian servicemen acted during the “Ring” mission, in the course of which 40 Armenian villages were deported.

Nonetheless, Karabakh authorities treat with awe their relations with Russia. “The fragile peace we have today is Russia’s merit, especially during the first stage that followed the signing of agreements. Naturally, we want- and we are not hiding it- Russia to wield more influence on the settlement of both our and similar conflict,” said President Sahakyan in his interview to Azat Artsakh newspaper. “Because Russia has also historical responsibility for what’s happening in the region. However, that’s a world -scale problem and countries like the USA, France, Great Britain also carry some responsibility for what’s taking place in the South Caucasus. And they are, naturally, pursuing their own interests, which is, to my mind, quite normal.”

Source: http://armenianow.com/?action=viewAr...D=1213&lng=eng

[SoyElTurco]

Re: Russian-Armenian Relations

Turkey is greater prize for Russia. If they could secure an allegiance with the Turks at the cost of their allegiance with Armenia, wouldn't they? Securing the Turks as an ally makes it all the more difficult for Armenia to push its agenda with the Russians if in competition with the Turks. A Russo-Turkish alliance, though currently is in the distant future, tell tale signs are emerging. Its something for Armenians to keep a close watch on. The re-allignment of alliances in that region is inevitable, especially Turkey's. It will spell trouble for Armenia when Turkey decides to be buddies with Russia; what can Armenia offer Russia when competing with Turkey for Russia's favors? You cannot overestimate the importance of Armenia and underestimate the importance of Turkey if Russia had to choose.

I've been reading alot lately on these threads how dearly people have been adulating this "Russian Resurgence" cozying and comforting themselves. Yes it's true, the Russians can now assert themselves unlike the chaos they were mired in the 90's. The rush of Russian oil created a rush of adrenaline and euphoria. Now a check has to be put in place on this runaway euphoria.

The Russian military-industrial complex is riddled with anxiety that stems from an intimate knowledge of itself: it knows its limitations. The military industrial complex of Russia is more aptly the "Soviet military industrial complex." The Soviet industrial and economic development was developed within the design of cold war military theory: Massive conventional warfare. The inherently inefficient development and management of soviet industry embedded itself into its physical infrastructure. The collapse of the USSR deprived the military industrial complex of precious capital to keep it dynamic and receptive to developments and needs of evolving warfare. Underinvestment withered the industrial base of Russia, leaving it a generation or more behind its western counterparts, even behind the aspiring dragon, China.

Putin's administration has been confronted with a reality that the threat to its military not from without but from within. A crumbling population with , the brain drain of the 90's, underinvestment and an undiversified economy, collapsing health and social challenges are all a threat to the "Rise" of the Russian Federation. All of this is taking its toll on the military. The military too, is an exhibition of the overall state of Russia: obsolete, old, rigid, withering and inefficient.

If the long term survival of Armenia is intertwined with that of Russia, it is an imperative for Armenia to ensure Russia's well being. A waning Russia means a defenseless Armenia.

[Pazooki]

Re: Russian-Armenian Relations

I suppose I know what your aiming for here SoyElTurco.

If your clearing stating that Russia becomes Turkeys friend and they do get bribed to deny the Genocide they'll accept and no more problems, right?

You have no idea how many countries will be sitting next to Armenia.

Russia may be strong against one country, but if countries that accept the Genocide unite, may the lord have mercy on Russia.