As Azvision.az mentioned before, Armenia is preparing to mark the `100th anniversary` of the so-called "genocide" on April 24, 2015. Yerevan has invited the leaders of neighboring countries for this purpose. But the World wonders if Russian president Vladimir Putin will visit Armenia or not? Will Putin’s Yerevan visit influence the relations of Russia with Azerbaijan and Turkey?
AzVision.az asked Politician Elkhan Shahinoglu to comment the issue.
“Putin’s Yerevan visit will be regarded as an unpleasant message to Azerbaijan and Turkey. Azerbaijan and Turkey do not accept the so-called `genocide`, and protests against Armenians claims. Baku and Ankara will criticize the countries supporting Yerevan in this issue. Putin should take into account these countries position too. He must define for himself that which side is important for him.
However, Putin`s choice of Armenia, also serves the interests of Turkey- Azerbaijan Union.
Putin’s relations with western countries has been strained because of Russian annexation of the Crimea and supporting Ukrainian separatists. Majority of the western leaders do not want to shake his hand or to partake in the same meetings. Most of those leaders has declared that are not going to attend Russia`s annual World War II Victory Day parade on May 9. They are also expected not to attend at the so-called `centennial ceremony` in Yerevan, in order not to be seen together with Putin”, said the politician.
Well, what about Russian ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan?
Let`s take a brief look at this matter from a Russian perspective:
Bilateral trade between Russia and Turkey/Azerbaijan is very lucrative, running to the tune of tens-of-billions of dollars annually. Russia has been for many years trying to lure Turkey away from NATO. Russia has been for many years doing its best to draw Azerbaijan into its political orbit. Russia recognizes Turkey`s strategic importance as a bridge connecting Europe and the Middle East. Russia recognizes Turkey`s strategic control over the Bosporus Strait. Russia has in recent years developed a very lucrative arms supply deal with Baku. Russia just recently signed a major multi-billion dollar natural gas pipeline project with Turkey. Russia recognizes the importance of Baku as a strategic energy hub. Millions of Russians spend their vacations on Turkish beeches. Russians know that there are over one hundred million Turks bordering Russia. Russians realize that are millions of pacified Turkic peoples living right within their homeland.
Sabina Hasanova
AzVision.az
Will Russian president visit Armenia
17 April 2015
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