Gabala radar would be better option for Russia: professor at Russian Volga-Vyatka Academy of State Service

Day.Az: Not so long ago it was stated that the European Commission is ready to facilitate the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. What does this statement mean? What contribution the European Commission could make to the settlement of the conflict?

Andrei Makarichev: This statement must be viewed in the context of the EU-launched "Eastern Partnership" which includes Armenia and Azerbaijan also. This is a new initiative that has drawn criticism by the "partner" countries (Ukraine and Moldova, for example, resent the EU for the fact that the Eastern Partnership is proposed as an alternative to full membership), and Russia, which believes that Brussels knowingly enters into institutional rivalry with Moscow for in post-Soviet area.

In addition, some EU countries believe that the "Eastern Partnership" is a program devoid of specific priorities. That is why the European Union as soon as possible will fill it with content in order to prove his ability to play a constructive role in resolving conflicts and promoting development.

Q: If suddenly Azerbaijan and Armenia have to solve the Karabakh conflict by military means, will CSTO interfere with? Do you see a solution to this conflict by military means?

A: No, I do not see. But if such a purely hypothetical scenario still happens, the CSTO may in fact intervene in the peacekeeping format in order to make the Nagorno-Karabakh an international protectorate under the tacit patronage of Russia.

Q: As to the missile defense system which presumably would have to be located in the Caucasus, it was suggested that the Gabala radar station is not considered as one of the options, but a priority is Turkey and Israel. What is the best place to deploy missile defense system?

A: I think Gabala would be the better place for Russia. But given the fact that the U.S. has so far taken a huge step towards Moscow in Poland and the Czech Republic, it is unlikely the Americans would agree with this.

Q: How the resolution of the Karabakh problem will move forward after the signing of the Armenian-Turkish protocols?

A: Slowly, as before. Turkey will definitely try to gradually increase its role, which it has done over the past year. For Turkish diplomacy it is important to show the EU their ability to influence the process. Russia could agree with this, as the Transnistrian settlement has more dynamics for it.

/Day.Az/