Yerevan's restraint as regards South Ossetia and Abkhazia can last long

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.

Full text of the interview