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President of Nixon Center Dimitri Simes: Russians lost much by supplying Armenians with arms â€“ EXCLUSIVE

President of Nixon Center Dimitri Simes: Russians lost much by supplying Armenians with arms â€“ <font color=red>EXCLUSIVE </font>

17 March 2009 08:17 (UTC +04:00)

-How do you think why Washington did not take a step to protect its two closest allies in the region after the August conflict in the South Caucasus and Russiaâ€™s $800 million arm supply to Armenia?

-I would differentiate between Azerbaijan and Georgia in this issue. As regards Azerbaijan, the countryâ€™s leadership behaved in a responsible manner. We did not observe any provocation against Russia, and you note properly the concern over Russiaâ€™s arm supply to Armenia. As is known, Armenia is strategically close to Russia. As regards Georgia, we know who attacked. It happened as a result of Russiansâ€™ provocation. We are not going to praise Russiaâ€™s obvious behavior. The same can be said about the developments following the war, ethnic cleansing in the local Georgian villages of South Ossetia.

But it does not mean that the United States should offer more assistance to Georgia. We supported them so much that Saakashvili decided to use force against Russia. I do not think that the August happenings served the interests of Georgia and particularly of the United States.

-Though Azerbaijan did not irritate Russia during the August conflict, it did not prevent Moscow from supplying Armenia with $800 million arms.

-Russia lost much in this issue. It should be the main theme of Russia-Azerbaijan dialogue. Like any country, Azerbaijan has the right to say that it is the most important issue for them. Russiaâ€™s answer will influence Azerbaijanâ€™s future steps.

-How should the most acceptable foreign policy be for Azerbaijan under current circumstances?

-Of course, Georgiaâ€™s independence should be supported. You should explain that further steps to separate Georgia will become serious problem for the region. Moreover, Azerbaijan should not coordinate itself with Saakashviliâ€™s actions. By the way, all pro-western politicians of Georgia protest against Saakashviliâ€™s policy.