Azerbaijan seems to be “permanently dissatisfied,” Director of Caucasus Institute Alexander Iskandaryan told reporters on August 3.

“The balance of regional forces has changed, the situation has changed as well and this makes Azerbaijan shiver. They are told ‘forget about Karabakh and let’s discuss the surrounding territories’. It is a catastrophe for Azerbaijan,” he said, adding that Azerbaijan is simply scared.

Speaking of Russia’s intention to sell two batteries of S-300PMU2 Favorit air-defense system to Azerbaijan and Kremlin’s role in the region on the whole, Iskandaryan stated that Moscow is playing on both sides. “When people speak about S-300 I wonder if we purchase arms from Paraguay. There is regional balance, and Russia is acting so as not to upset it. In dealing with Azerbaijan, Russia takes into account Armenia and vice versa. Russia’s policy in the South Caucasus involves both Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is common practice,” the expert stated. Iskandaryan stressed that the information on a Russian-Azerbaijani deal has not been confirmed yet.

“Relevant international agencies should be informed of such deals. I think that most likely no decision has yet been made, though a possible sale has been discussed for a long time,” he stated.

NEWS.am reminds the readers that, Russia will supply two batteries of S-300PMU2 Favorit air-defense system to Azerbaijan, Vedomosti.ru reports, referring to sources in the Russian defense industry. It was noted that the supply of the air-defense system is unlikely to change the balance of forces between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as neither has modern striking aviation or ballistic missiles the S-300PMU2 Favorit systems are intended for. Baku must be securing itself against any aggravation of the Iran-related situation.