Frederick Starr: "It is obvious that Russia attempts to replace the Minsk process with the Moscow process"

- What is the reason of the intensification of Russia's role in the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, which led to signing of the Moscow declaration?

- It is quite obvious that despite official statements, Moscow tries to replace the Minsk process with the Moscow process. But such a conduct remained in the past and I think that Russia has more urgent problems on which it should focus its attention.

- How serious can changes in the relations between Russia and the United States be following the events in Georgia?

- Most expect profound changes in the relations between Moscow and the United States. I consider these expectations to be mistaken. The relations will develop in the evolutionary manner. No doubts that the United States have ground to support good relations with Moscow. It will not be conducted to damage the interests of our friends in the Caucasus. I think ignoring these interests in relations with Moscow would become the worst mistake for Washington. This is what Europeans do, who use the Caucasus states as a trading object in the relations with Moscow. I hope that in the future the United States will still treat Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia as legal objects not as a token money in the geopolitical game.

- Can the differences between Russia and the United States, as the OSCE MG states, influence on the Karabakh resolution?

- I was initially confident about the ineffectiveness of the Minsk process, as Russia on many aspects was the conflict participant and now it offers mediation services. I do not know which progress it will lead to, but it is clear to me that the Minsk Group has previously failed. All parties are aware that it will lead to nothing. Certainly, Russia has an opportunity to settle the Karabakh problem, but if it illegally supplies Armenia with arms for $1 bln it creates problems.

Moscow is interested in preservation of the quo status. Russia must realize that the careless policy towards neighbors and the world community will lead to nothing and it must behave as a responsible modern force. Other imprtant members of the world community do not intend to build a Great Chinese Wall between the Russian actions in the Caucasus and their readiness to cooperate with Russia.

But until Russia changes its policy in the Caucasus, there will be suspicion and distrust in the relations with this country. I imply not only the United States and Europe, but also China, which is also resented over Russia's behavior in Georgia. Moreover, all the Central Asian States are quite strong to show their resentment which will be possible under Beijing's support.

- What do you think about Ankara's actions in the resolution of problems in the Caucasus and its Initiative of the Caucasus Stability and Security Platform?

- I took a particular interest in Turkey's initiative in this direction. At the same time, I am anxious that Ankara may have the intention of settling the "Armenian genocide" issue at the cost of Karabakh. I sincerely believe that I am mistaken. I hope Turkey will soon make a clear statement on this issue. Otherwise, there may appear grounds for concern.

/Day.Az/