YEREVAN. – There were no significant changes in the geopolitical situation of the region in 2011, head of the Armenian branch of the Institute of CIS Countries, political scientist Alexander Markarov told the Armenian News-NEWS.am correspondent.

“All those issues which were on the political and international agenda remain topical,” the expert said.

Markarov pointed out some essential elements which refer to the establishment of Nagorno-Karabakh independence. These are the 20th anniversary of the independence and holding the elections, which proved that Karabakh is institutionalized.

“We can also mark elements connected to intensification of the EU policy on South Caucasus states within the format of the Eastern Partnership. More widely, psychological, informational and diplomatic pressure is preserved on Iran. It is yet unclear how this pressure will influence future development of the region. As for Armenia, it still preserves its positive relations with Georgia,” Markarov said.

Regarding the normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations, the expert said it is difficult to predict definite progress in the future.

In response to a remark whether the Kremlin will try to strengthen its positions in the Caucasus with the domestic political situation in Russia, Markarov said that Russia currently has to legitimate what is going on after the parliamentary elections. The main problem for Russia is to continue the political process and to transfer it to a more constructive field.

As for Russia’s role in the region, it remains the main actor in the South Caucasus, he concluded.