Ariel Cohen: protocol on Russian military base in RA increases possibilities of Armenia’s protection by RussiaSeptember 16, 2010 - 14:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation Ariel Cohen said that he will be surprised if Moscow, jointly with the United States, puts pressure on Armenia. According to him, United States’ recent inactivity in the South Caucasus allowed Moscow to take a leading role in the region, also strengthening positions in the OSCE Minsk Group. Cohen noted that the signing of the protocol on extension of terms of the Russian military base deployment in Gyumri, Armenia, indicates the increased influence of Moscow in the region. “This enhances the possibility of Armenia’s protection by Russia, shifting the existing balance in the region,” he said. The American expert also noted that actually the U.S., as a mediator, cannot do much to promote talks but the long awaited appointment of a U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan could be positive for the process. “Most likely, we will witness a lot of meetings and negotiations in the near future, but not a considerable progress,” Trend News quoted Cohen as saying. 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 | 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. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |