If Nagorno-Karabakh declares independence, then Russia must recognize that.
“If Nagorno-Karabakh declares independence, then Russia must recognize that,” said Vice-Chair of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and Leader of Liberal Democratic Party of Russia Vladimir Zhirinovsky, appearing at the European and Asian Media Forum in Moscow, which was organized by RIA Novosti.
“Otherwise, Azerbaijan and Armenia will never agree on whom Nagorno-Karabakh belongs to. I have neither an Armenian- nor an Azerbaijani-leaning position.,” stated the Russian politician.
Asked by a journalist what is Russia’s role in the process of establishing Armenia-Turkey relations, Zhirinovsky said: “We wouldn’t want Turkey, in that rapprochement, to make use of the entire South Caucasus in order to increase its influence. Though they have had such plans.”
According to the politician, Russia needs peace and stability in the South Caucasus. “If that is secured, then let Armenia cohabit with whoever it so chooses, whether that be Turkey, Iran, Georgia, or Azerbaijan. But if there’s aggression, then we will stand by the victim countries and completely wipe out the aggressor,” concluded Zhirinovsky.
