Hungarian political expert: Supplying arms to Azerbaijan and increasing gas price for Armenia, Russia sought economic not political benefits

The statements that Russia supplies military hardware to Azerbaijan and increases the gas prices for Armenia allegedly to impede the EU-Armenia Association Agreement does not meet reality. The remarks came from Hungarian political scientist, Professor of Political Science Laszlo Kemeny in response to a question by ArmInfo as to whether Russia increased the gas prices for Armenia and supplied arms to Azerbaijan to prevent the EU-Armenia Association Agreement. 

He said that arms supply to Azerbaijan and the increase in the gas prices for Armenia pursued a goal of economic benefit. "Russia is well aware that it must not allow an armed conflict to break out in the South Caucasus. There is a Russian-Armenian Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance signed in 1997 wherein the two parties pledge to take measures admissible to them to prevent threats against their countries," the expert said. He thinks that any supply of arms to the conflict zone aggravates tension. 

Nevertheless, Laszlo Kemeny said, the EU-Armenia Association Agreement does not depend on the given circumstance, not least because the EU as part of its Eastern Partnership Project is preparing a similar treaty with Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova. Armenia must establish its relationships in the new world and geopolitical systems independently, he said. 

It is expected that the EU-Armenia Association Agreement will be initialed in November in Vlinius.