IRAN HAMPERS ADVANCE OF RUSSIA-ARMENIA COOPERATION, MOSCOW PROFESSOR SUPPOSES
PanARMENIAN.Net
16.05.2006 17:30 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Presence fo observers at elections is compulsory,
however it should be systematic, Chair of the Department of Comparative
Political Science of Moscow State Institute of International Relations
Mikhail Ilyin said, when answering a question on differences of
assessment of the elections in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan by
CIS and OSCE observer missions. In his words, the role of observers
lies in providing equal assessment of elections in any country. “An
absolutely impartial assessment by experts is impossible. However,
this does not mean that observers are not necessary. As of standards,
they are present always – dual, triple, as interested parties often
assume the role of experts,” Ilyin noted.
As of Russian policy in the South Caucasus, Ilyin said, “in case of
Armenia there are far less problems, than with Azerbaijan, to say
nothing of Georgia. A major issue form advancement of relations and
cooperation with Armenia is absence of a common border, as well as
Iran. However, I believe there is a good potential for expanding
cooperation between the two countries.”
In his words, there are more problems with Azerbaijan and these relate
to oil and gas sector, as well as that country’s relations with Iran.
“Worsening of Russian-Georgian relations is linked with many factors,
most important of these being not constructive policy of the Georgian
authorities.
However, I hope Russia will not interfere with Georgia’s internal
affairs, especially in settlement of the Ossetian conflict,” the
professor said.