The most important feature of the CSTO’s forthcoming informal summit in Armenia is its being a symbolic one, Konstantin Zatulin, First Vice-Chairman of the Committee for CIS Affairs, RF State Duma, told NEWS.am. The summit is to be held in Yerevan, which is of high importance for Armenia, he said.

The political situation in connection with Nagorno-Karabakh is very tense due to a number of factors, including the warlike statements issued by Azerbaijan’s top officials. “The CSTO makes it clear it is against war. Hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh are not in Russia’s interests,” Zatulin said. According to him, Azerbaijan’s militant rhetoric is mere propaganda. “The incumbent regime wants to convince certain forces inside the country of its intention to resume hostilities,” Zatulin said. He also pointed out the present multipronged vector.

“I believe the Nagorno-Karabakh problem can be resolved. Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence must be recognized, and the occupied territories must be returned. However, the sides are not making any headway nor are they ready to make a final decision,” Zatulin said.

As to Russia’s possible action in case Azerbaijan resumes hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh, Zatulin said: “This is a hypothetical question which implies a hypothetical answer. It is common knowledge Russia is on good terms with Azerbaijan, which, however, should not be viewed as an alternative to its relations with Armenia.” Russia is interested in good relations with Azerbaijan, but Armenia, for its part, should welcome them – they can be a deterring factor for Azerbaijan as far as Nagorno-Karabakh is concerned.

“Russia is right in that it will not answer this question. However, the very fact of Russia’s amending the agreement on the Russian military base in Armenia – as Russia pledges to be involved in ensuring Armenia’s security – speaks for itself,” Zatulin said.