Russia's position on Karabakh different from that on other conflicts

PanARMENIAN.Net - NATO's expansion eastwards and possible recognition of unrecognized republics, specifically Nagorno Karabakh are not linked directly, said head of the Interethnic Relations Department at the Institute of Political and Military Analysis in Moscow.



Russia's position on Karabakh has always differed from that on Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transdnistria, Sergei Markedonov said during "Russia's policy in Caucasus" online conference.



"Adopting the address to the President, the Duma did not mention Karabakh. Why? Because Russia rates relations with Azerbaijan as more important and successful than relations with Georgia. Russia tries to avoid tough decisions that would offend the Azeri leadership," he said.



"Anyway, official Moscow supposes that all questions regarding Karabakh can be resolved via Yerevan."



"Russia's position on Transdnistria may change. Kishinev is ready both to observe neutrality and recognize Russia's ownership on Dniester's left bank. As to Georgia, in my opinion, Moscow will restrain itself to virtual support to Abkhazia and South Ossetia without juridical recognition of these formations," Mr Markedonov said, Novosti Georgia reports.