Commenting on progress in relations of Russia and the South Caucasus in 2013, Head of the Russian parliamentary committee for international relations Alexey Pushkov said that they had stabilized. He reminded that Russian President Vladimir Putin had visited Baku and tensions provoked by closing of the Qabala Radar in Azerbaijan had disappeared. The official added that Azerbaijan had not signed the EU association agreement and had certain prospects for integration with Russia.
Regarding Georgia, relations with Russia had improved, especially after resignation of President Mikheil Saakashvili, Pushkov said. The MP does not expect restoration of Russian-Georgian diplomatic relations in the near future because Georgia demands Russia retract its recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He reminded that transportation links, certain economic relations and trade were being restored.
Armenia had made a big step towards Eurasian integration, Pushkov said. It may also encourage Ukraine. Armenian involvement will give better prospects for the Eurasian Union. An agreement to start the formation of the Union will be signed in 2015.
Commenting on progress in relations of Russia and the South Caucasus in 2013, Head of the Russian parliamentary committee for international relations Alexey Pushkov said that they had stabilized. He reminded that Russian President Vladimir Putin had visited Baku and tensions provoked by closing of the Qabala Radar in Azerbaijan had disappeared. The official added that Azerbaijan had not signed the EU association agreement and had certain prospects for integration with Russia.Regarding Georgia, relations with Russia had improved, especially after resignation of President Mikheil Saakashvili, Pushkov said. The MP does not expect restoration of Russian-Georgian diplomatic relations in the near future because Georgia demands Russia retract its recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. He reminded that transportation links, certain economic relations and trade were being restored.Armenia had made a big step towards Eurasian integration, Pushkov said. It may also encourage Ukraine. Armenian involvement will give better prospects for the Eurasian Union. An agreement to start the formation of the Union will be signed in 2015
