Kovalenko: if Russia backs one of Karabakh conflict sides, it may worsen things

YEREVAN, November 8. /ARKA/. If Russia backs one of Karabakh conflict sides, it may escalate tension in the region and trigger armed clashes, Vyacheslav Kovalenko, director of regional programs of the Caspian Cooperation Institute and Russia’s former ambassador to Armenia, said Friday at a Moscow-Yerevan video bridge focused on Armenia’s wish to join the Customs Union. 

  

He said that Russia is maintaining partner relations with Azerbaijan and allied relations with Armenia throughout two decades. 

Russia, he said, plays a prominent part in the conflict settlement as irreplaceable mediator preventing intense bloodshed and maintaining peace despite the deep conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.  

“I am convinced that this is the only reasonable stance, and I think if Russia shows bias toward one or the other conflicting side, it may whip up tension and worsen environment creating ground for resumption of war,” he said. 

Commenting on the sale by Russia of a large batch of weapons to Azerbaijan, Kovalenko said that allied relations between Russia and Armenia can’t be called into question.  

“If Russia doesn’t sell weapons to Azerbaijan, then Israel or other countries will do it,” he said. “This can’t cast doubt on allied relations between Armenia and Russia.”

The word of provision of Russian ammunition and arms to Azerbaijan sparked stormy reaction in Armenia.  

Kovalenko added that Armenia and Russia are strategic allies, and Russia has repeatedly expressed readiness to defend Armenia in accordance with its CSTO commitments. -0-