Concerns that Russia has Secret Agenda, are not Proper: Zakharova on Sargsyan-Putin-Aliyev Meeting and Russian Plans

Interview with Maria Zakharova, official representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation.

Maria Vladimirovna, Natacha Rajakovich, Spokesperson and Acting Deputy Head of Communication and Media Relations Section at OSCE, informed that the Organization isn’t participating in organizational activities of the trilateral summit on NK conflict peaceful settlement. However, these days, Yuri Ushakov, assistant to RF president, informing that the RF president will meet presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Saint Petersburg, stated that Russia continues its mission as a mediator, totally cooperating with other OSCE MG Co-chairs. But how does it cooperate if OSCE doesn’t participate in organizational activities? And in Armenia analysts claim that Russia has its separate agenda. What can you say of this?

I won’t comment on organization of the summit, it is completely under the liability of RF president. I can reflect to concerns of representatives of international organizations that Russia has its own secret agenda, which it doesn’t share. It’s not so.

As you know, we released a publication, that RF Foreign Minister is having meetings with Ambassadors on NK conflict and the possibility of organizing a meeting, in particular, with the Ambassadors of the states, who are the Co-chairs, thus, we provide information to the society on those meetings, i.e. besides the fact, that we share information with our foreign partners frequently, in a multi-format, and we inform the society to the extent, which is possible and necessary. Thus, I think, these concerns absolutely are not proper. Of course, Russia has its own works, however, any secret, private agenda, hidden from the sides or the parties engaged, lacks and I consider there is no need touching upon it.

However, to your mind, will other Co-chairs participate in that meeting?

Let me mention once again, that the question of that meeting, its organization shouldn’t be posed to me, but to the RF presidential office. We have clear separation.

Vahram Baghdasaryan, head of leading Republican Party of Armenia, reflecting to your statement by Nzhdeh…

I’ not even going to listen to or comment on it. I consider, we should respect each other and understand, that sensitive issues are available both for Armenia and Russia, and only mutual respect towards the history is the basis for friendly ties, which is existent amid our states, and those relations have constantly been distinguished. Thus, we should respect history of our countries and observe its sensitive points with respect. If there are issues, they should be settled constructively. Maybe, this is all.

However, did you receive materials on Nzhdeh’s biography?

Let me state once more, I want to highlight that, we should treat sensitive issues of each other’s history with respect, and understand that there are issues for Armenia, which have principal importance for it, and Russia constantly supported Armenia in those principal issues. You are familiarized with our disposition, it’s not subject to any political conjuncture. We have showed it throughout many years. The same way sensitive issues are existent for Russia, which have principal character. I think, mutual respect is the guarantee for our relations and cooperation to continue for centuries.

By Araks Martirosyan