Armenia positively evaluates the Lithuanian cooperation initiative within “3+3” format, providing for interaction between the three Baltic states and three republics of the South Caucasus, deputy foreign minister of Armenia Ruben Shugarian told “Regnum” agency. In his words, Armenia is open for any cooperation. At that he noted, “it is necessary to overcome the reluctance of Azerbaijan to cooperate and to try to attract Baku in cooperation within various formats, which will contribute to extermination of prejudice and establishment of mutual confidence, as well as will have a positive impact on conflict settlement processes.” The “3+3” format is acceptable for us, as well as all other formats promoting Armenia’s integration into European structures, R. Shugarian said. At that the deputy minister called statements by some analysts that “Lithuania’s urge to participate in South Caucasus processes is just another “favor” to the US in realization of Washington program on supplanting Russia in the Transcaucasia.” First, in his words, an agenda of bilateral relations, letting directly discuss all issues without any mediators, is arranged between Armenia and the US. The opinion has also become old-fashioned, as approaches of the US and Russia over issues in the Caucasus have recently become notably close. Besides, the Armenian diplomat added, Lithuania cannot become a plaything in the hands of the US, as the policy of that Baltic state has always been directed at establishing an positive regional dialogue and solution of most ornate issues exclusively by means of political tools.
ԻմPANը
