Yerevan's restraint as regards South Ossetia and Abkhazia can last longSeptember 10, 2008 - 16:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The decision of the Russian leadership to recognize independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia came like a bolt from the blue, Andrey Areshev, expert at Strategic Culture Foundation said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net "Actually, the situation was rather vague before the August 7-8 events, although Georgian aggression was inevitable. In a recent interview with CNN, Prime Minister Putin said, "We have considered all possible variants, including direct aggression of the Georgian leadership." Rebuff of the Georgian attack that was followed by Sarkozy's cunning mediation (probably meant to rescue Saakashvili from a final defeat) accelerated the process of recognition. I should also mention that any other decision on the republics' status would be pregnant with graver side effects for Russia," he remarked. "As to Armenia, it has little space for maneuver under the circumstances. It's Russia's strategic ally on the one hand and is in direct dependence on Georgian communications, on the other. This determines Armenia's restraint. Serzh Sarsgyan's statements were absolutely adequate while "pro-Russian" remarks by his well-known opponent were populist and crooked. I suppose, new opportunities for progress have emerged. NKR welcomed President Medvedev's statement on recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russia could be more active in Karabakh conflict resolution. Meanwhile, in case with Karabakh, Moscow will be more restrained, just like Yerevan in case with recognition of the two above-mentioned republics. However, this should not hamper resolution of humanitarian issues," Areshev said. Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |