No unequivocal assessment of Russian influence on the South Caucasus can be made now, Richard Giragosian, Head of the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS), stated at the roundtable “New tendencies of Russian policy in the South Caucasus” in Yerevan.

He pointed out a number of factors which can hardly be formed into a picture. “We should understand how Russia is using its influence in the region, the regional countries’ attitude and that of the West,” he said.

Speaking of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the expert said that Russia is seeking neutrality. Another reason for Moscow’s step is its aspiration to deploy Russian peacemakers in the conflict zone.

As regards Armenian-Turkish relations, Russia cannot be accused of anything, whereas the Armenian authorities can be reproached. The incumbent authorities’ policy has made Armenia an inferior one that has “leased” its national security, Giragosian said. He stressed that the U.S. waning interest in the South Caucasus played its role. The USA has actually made it clear for the regional countries, particularly Georgia, that they have to resolve their problems with Russia by themselves. Moreover, Washington made it clear they should not expect any support from it. Before the 2008 war, Georgia did not consider itself part of the region, but, in imagination, located itself somewhere near the Hawaii, in an embrace with NATO. It was not at all interested in the region. Now, however, it will sober up.