RUSSIAN LAW CAUSES CONCERNS IN AZERBAIJAN

[MosJan]

RUSSIAN LAW CAUSES CONCERNS IN AZERBAIJAN

BAKU, JULY 2, ARMENPRESS: One of the latest laws, passed by the Russian State Duma (parliament) which opens doors for new Federation members has caused serious concerns in Azerbaijan, a Baku-based 525 Gazette reports.

The law stipulates that a foreign country or part of it may join the Russian Federation even if it has no common borders with Russia.

The daily quotes former advisor to Azerbaijani president on foreign issues Vafa Guluzade as saying that the law is "an alarming event." In an interview to Azerbaijani Turan news agency, Guluzade described the law as " continuation of Russia's imperial policy."

Another Baku-based daily Yeni Musavat quotes the former advisor as saying that the law is directed, in the first place, against Georgia, as "Russia makes Georgia understand that it may raise the issue of joining Abkhazia, South Osetia and even Ajaria to Russian Federation."

Guluzade also says that the strategic point of the law is to implant instability in Georgia and "to prevent implementation of Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline and TRACECA projects and diminish the West's influence in the Caucasus."

Guluzade says that the law may also threaten Azerbaijan, "as Moscow may also raise the issue of joining Karabagh with Russia."