Political scientist Vadim Mukhanov: "If propaganda war between Azerbaijan and Armenia continues, the outburst of violence will be inevitable"

"Russia is anxious about the growing military and political presence of the West in Georgia and Azerbaijan as it can cover Armenia too, and in fact cover the entire South Caucasus, said senior officer of the Caucasus Research Center of Russian Foreign Ministry Vadim Mukhanov commenting on the visit of Russian President Dmitri Medvedev to Azerbaijan.

Reminding that the visit to Baku is not Medvedev's only visit to the South Caucasus, as he is also expected to visit Armenia, the expert noted: "During the current visit the sides discussed both the ways of deepening political contacts and prospects of expanding interaction in trade and energy sector, especially in fuel and energy complex.

It should be noted that the Russian government actively supports Garpom during the talks with local companies on purchase of Azerbaijani gas. It should be noted that Russia's position in this issue is clear: we will buy gas from those, who offers best conditions, while Azerbaijan is interested in the presence on the Russian market", said political scientist Mukhanov.

The expert considers that political closing of Russia and Azerbaijan is limited by state interests of each of the countries.

"Obviously, while closing with Azerbaijan, Moscow will not restrict its strategic partnership with Armenia. Tensions in the South Caucasus are not reducing, primarily, because the propaganda war between Armenia and Azerbaijan does not cease for a moment.

And if it continues, the overheating of bellicose moods from one of the sides will sooner or later create the decisive condition for a new outburst of violence", states Mukhanov.

/Regnum/