Azerbaijani official: Russia to shift from militaristic to economic presence in South Caucasus

Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov believes that it’s time for Russia to move from a militaristic to an economic stance in the South Caucasus.

Azerbaijan is concerned by the presence of Russian troops in Armenia, Azimov said in an interview with the Echo Moskvy radio station.

"Unfortunately, Russia finds it necessary to keep armed forces in Armenia. We see less and less reason for such a militaristic presence in the South Caucasus - it's time to change from tanks to tankers; that is, from a militaristic presence to an economic one", he added. Persuading Armenia to accept constructive suggestions in negotiations over the Karabakh settlement is in Russia’s best interest, Azimov said.


/Trend/