Ceding territories means war - Rafail Zinurov

In an interview with Tert.am, Vice-Speaker of the National Assembly of Bashkiria, member of the Russian Federal Council Rafail Zinurov expressed his surprise at the Seventh Forum of UN Nations Alliance of Civilizations being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, this year.

According to him, war is inevitable if any of the Nagorno-Karabakh territories are ceded.

The four-day war in Nagorno-Karabakh confounded the expectations about Russia many in Armenia held.

Moreover, Russia’s authorities have never responded to the criticism over Russian arms sales to Azerbaijan.

“I can only refer to Russia’s official position announced by President Vladmir Putin: the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can only be settled by peaceful means, without use of force. The rest - I mean the arms sales - is a most delicate political question. And I would not like to comment.”

High-ranking Russian officials are making contradictory statements on Russian arms sales: a statement by the vice-speaker of the Russian Duma and the one by the Russian vice-premier.

“First of all, arms sales are an international practice. Russia is not the only state trading in arms. Regrettably, all the states are selling and buying weapons. We are well aware that the situation does not allow Russia to take sides with one of the conflicting parties, and it is seeking to be neutral. The very fact of Armenia being Russia’s strategic partner and a CSTO member-state prevents strong-worded statements.”

Many believe that Armenia was actually the only state to support Russia in its confrontation with Turkey, whereas Russia did not act similarly in Armenia’s case.

“No, the situation is not so bad. Armenia is Russia’s strategic partner and only ally in the post-soviet area. Of course, Armenia was expected to support Russia, given the history of its relations with the Turkey. In any case, you can be sure Russia is doing its best to prevent bloodshed or war. You know, I am greatly surprised that Baku is hosting the Seventh Forum of UN Nations Alliance of Civilizations. They have killed people, and look!”

Asked if the Russian FM’s visit to Armenia changed anything, Mr Zinurov sad that diplomacy is not a street activity, but agreements are reached behind closed doors.

It is rumored that Russia could force territorial concessions.

“I do not think so. If any territories are ceded, a war will break out. But the region does not need a war. We need peace.”