Moscow not to take any steps contradicting Armenia's interestsJuly 21, 2009 - 19:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Moscow has increased its efforts at the current stage of the Karabakh settlement process , Professor Ruben Safrastyan, Director of NAS Oriental Studies Institute, told journalist. "Russia currently needs to establish contacts with its military bases located in Armenia. Those bases play an extremely important role in Moscow's South-Caucasian policy," Professor noted.To that end, it is necessary to operate a railroad in Russia-Azerbaijan-Armenia direction, the speaker finds. "Today, Armenia is Russia's sole strategic partner in South Caucasus. Moscow does not consider Baku its strategic partner. Russia's policy in relation to Azerbaijan aims to involve Baku in its oil-gas policy and deepen divide between Azerbaijan and Turkey. Time will show how much Moscow will succeed in its efforts," Safrastyan stressed. In that connection, the expert noted that Russian diplomacy will not take any steps contradicting Armenia's interests in NKR settlement process. 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 | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |