Russian-Turkish rapprochement is not a new process and Russia’s shattering of the balance in the region endangers Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. The oppositional Heritage Party MP Stepan Safaryan told NEWS.am.

Russian-Turkish rapprochement became more noticeable in 2008 when the sides signed agreements, held meetings and made statements trampling the interests of Armenian side. However Armenian authorities did not respond to it properly. Armenian side did not warn that “their superior strategic partner should not discuss the issues concerning Armenians in the absence of the latter.”

The expert reminded of the declaration on friendship and strategic partnership signed by Russia and Azerbaijan: “Russia recognized Azerbaijani territorial integrity and promised to make every effort on the early settlement of Karabakh conflict if Azerbaijan agrees not to participate in Nabucco project. So Russia shattered the balance to the detriment of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.”

As to the question whether Russia’s energy policy is a cause to strengthen positions in the region and can be considered as anti-American step, Safaryan said: “It is Russia’s motive and goal. President Putin was to take this policy as a basis. He considered gas to be the main weapon of this policy. Using this instrument Russia can not only maintain its influence in the region but gain new territories,” Safaryan said.

Safaryan considers that Armenian side forced Russia to change their attitude and positions towards them, not displaying appropriate reaction and keeping silence on the above mentioned statements.