Russian FM touches upon main security threats in South Caucasus

ArmInfo.Within the framework of the regional consultative platform "3+3", a contact point has been established in each participating country with specific individuals responsible for promoting the agreements reached by ministers on various issues.

This  was stated by Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, on October 18 in a conversation with reporters following the third meeting of the Consultative Regional Platform "3+3".  When asked to talk about security threats in the South Caucasus, Lavrov noted that they could be listed extensively. "The main threat is that extra-regional players are trying to impose their terms here, to implement their own agendas. These agendas are not focused on resolving the region's issues in the best interests of all countries involved, but rather on advancing NATO-centric formats here, fostering bloc processes, creating divisions between neighboring countries and, once again, leveraging their capabilities for pressure," the Russian minister said.

To illustrate his point, he suggested looking at the recent events around Georgia and the EU's actions in response to the adoption of several new laws by the Georgian legislature.  "In addition, there are, of course, problems in relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Today we discussed this issue extensively. Both the Turks, Iranians and ourselves suggested that our colleagues from Baku and Yerevan use the "3+3" platform to finalize work on a peace treaty," the Russian minister said. He also mentioned the progress made within the trilateral efforts of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan at the levels of state leaders, foreign ministers, and deputy prime ministers on various topics.

"There are issues related to Armenian-Turkish normalization, with Russia playing a significant role in initiating this process. Our Iranian neighbors have also joined us. There are no meetings planned for now.  Our Armenian colleagues have decided to take a break, in order to hold bilateral meetings with their Turkish colleagues. It seems to me that this break is somehow connected with Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization. Therefore, we have suggested to consider these issues in a complex and encourage the parties to negotiate. In turn, Russia and Iran, are ready to assist if there is interest from the direct participants," the Russian minister added.

Lavrov named the West's efforts to open a second front against the Russian Federation through Georgia as another threat in the South Caucasus. When questioned about which of the current platforms for normalizing Armenian-Azerbaijani relations is the most viable, the Russian minister responded: "The one where an agreement can be reached. If they manage to reach an agreement directly, we will only support it:  As I have mentioned earlier, today we suggested the "3+3" platform, if they are willing and this would be natural. However, the decision ultimately lies with Baku and Yerevan," Lavrov concluded.