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President of Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan discusses current problems of South Caucasus and particularly Russian role in the region in his August 22 interview to Austrian newspaper “Der Standard”.

“Standard”: “Be friendly to Russia and don’t go too far with the West,” under this slogan was conducted Russian invasion to Georgia. What is your opinion about this?

Sargsyan: Have a look at Armenian history, and it will be clear for you, that Russia has alwas been our friend and partner. The partnership cannot be obligatory. I don’t want to speak in the name of other countries, but at least Armenia has always been frank in relations with Russia. Moreover, our military cooperation with Russia has never hampered Armenia’s dynamic collaboration with NATO, EU or the US and Iran.

“Standard”: It’s not the first time Armenia suffers in the result of Georgia-Russia disputes. What is the advice to your Georgian counterpart?

Sargsyan: I’m not the one to give advice. But I must say that in our small region which is too sensitive to world leaders’ interests, it is better to maintain effective collaboration in general profits sphere, then to raise tensions between them. This is certainly harmful for South Caucasus first. Therefore, it’s no use making new artificial ideological parties thus creating new obstacles in our way to stable regional environment.

“Standard”: As known, an important Russian military-base is situated in Armenia. Is the military presence and leadership of Russia in South Caucasus preferable for Armenia?

Sargsyan: Armenia is in favor of effective military cooperation for sake of security in the whole region. That is why Armenia is the member Collective Security Treaty Organization. So, I think that military-bases are more symbolizing effective collaboration and not particular country’s leadership.

“Standard”: Are there any certain consequences for another “freezed conflict” of Nagorno Karabakh after South Ossetia dispute?

Sargsyan: The South Ossetia conflict has proved that any kind of military interference to the right of nations to self-determination brings about very serious geopolitical developments. Moreover, it is clear now that South Caucasus has become a place of arms race, and insensible extension of military budget. Every country should respect all nations’ right to self-determination, otherwise military interference will grow into ethnic cleansings and violation of international humanitarian law.

“Standard”: Turkey has never responded to the proposal of “start of diplomatic relations with Armenia without any preconditions.” However, you even invited Turkish president Abdulla Gul to be present the coming Armenia-Turkey football match.

Sargsyan: I can confirm that Armenia was always in favor of establishment of diplomatic ties with Turkey. It’s useless arguing and being eternal foes. If we start relations, it will be profitable for both of us. Moreover, my Turkish counterpart has said recently that Turkey has no enemies in this region, and Erdoghan even said that Turkey’s readying to talks with Armenia. So, in my opinion, president Gul’s visit to our country will make real grounds for our future negotiations. We can have hundreds of problems, but we can never solve them unless we start talks as normal civilized countries do.