In terms of Armenia’s foreign policy year 2010 can be called a success. The director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the National Academy of Sciences Ruben Safrastyan, told NEWS.am.

Among the achievements of Armenia, he mentioned, the agreement on prolonging of Russian military presence in the country. Then the expert highlighted the fact that in 2010 the Armenian side not only resisted, but also strengthened its position on the Karabakh issue. “This was evident in the success of the Armenian diplomacy at the OSCE summit in Astana,” said Safrastyan. He also highlighted the fact that over the past year the republic has deepened its cooperation with European structures, which will create the preconditions for its democratic development.

In 2011, according to Safrastyan, the world must focus on restraining the Azerbaijani aggression. “The Armenian side should be able to advocate the priority of the peoples’ right  to self-determination principle when discussing the Karabakh issue, to international structures, especially given the fact that good conditions were created in 2010”, the expert said. He also predicted positive developments around the resolution on the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey in the discussion document to the U.S. Congress, as Washington was disappointed in the two-faced Ankara. The expert emphasized the importance to the stability in Iran, as it will be crucial for the region.

“With regard to domestic political processes, no upheaval should be expected in 2011the authorities will maintain political stability”, - assured Safrastyan.