Dubien: rumors about France’s substitution in OSCE MG are speculations

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.