Russia nervous about US, EU initiatives on Baku-Yerevan normalisation - Armenian Speaker

Armenian Speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Moscow reacts too emotionally and nervously to the initiatives of the US and the West on the Armenian-Azerbaijani normalisation.

He made the remarks speaking to journalists on Moscow's role in the normalisation of relations with Baku and its reaction to meetings held outside Russia, Caliber.Az reports, quoting Armenian media.

"Moscow has a role to play. It cannot but have one, as Russian peacekeepers are stationed there. But nevertheless, I consider unnecessary the feverish movements and nervous reactions that come from Moscow when any side tries to do something positive. They are more emotional than they should be," he said.

Simonyan is sure Russia's response should be calmer and more restrained.

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry repeatedly stated that Brussels aims to change the security system in the region and this is the reason for its activism in the South Caucasus. Andrei Klimov, deputy chairman of the Federation Council's Foreign Affairs Committee, said that the West, by drawing into the South Caucasus region, wants to stoke as many fires around Russia's borders as possible, and Armenian colleagues should bear this in mind.

According to Simonyan, Moscow should understand the situation and that Armenia has its own interests and security, which it should ensure "despite the geopolitical situation, somebody's wishes or jealousy".

Asked why Moscow has changed its position, and now Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomes any initiatives that might lead to the normalisation of relations between Yerevan and Baku, the speaker said "they always say so". And afterwards, he urged the journalists to have an open conversation.

"They were the guarantor of Armenia's territorial integrity and security, there is a Russian military base here and our agreements were aimed at this. Where are you?! Why weren't you more active? I already said, if you can't, you should say so, we'll discuss it and find solutions," Simonyan said.

However, he added that if the Russian side can resolve the conflict between Yerevan and Baku in a different way, Armenia would only welcome it.