Stoltenberg's Visit to the Region is an Attempt to Draw NATO's Influence Area, Says Zakharova

The visit of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to the South Caucasus republics is yet another attempt to pull the region into the Euro-Atlantic sphere of influence, stated Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a briefing.

She noted that such attempts had long been systematically carried out by the North Atlantic alliance and individual member states. Stoltenberg's visit confirms that activity in this direction has increased several times.

"What is the issue, what is the essence? The essence is that the problems in the South Caucasus appear to have decreased, but who in the West would be pleased with that?" Zakharova said. She pointed out that the fact that these states are beginning to cooperate with each other in a manner that aims toward peaceful agreements does not sit well with the West. They are also dissatisfied with the fact that these states have interactions with Russia, which are equal, mutually respectful, and aimed at comprehensive peace in the region.

From this perspective arises the ongoing attempts to spoil the relations between these countries and Russia. She added that there is a task of opening a second front against Russia in the South Caucasus.

It is noteworthy that the NATO Secretary General arrived in Armenia on March 19 as part of a regional visit. Before coming to Armenia, he visited Azerbaijan and Georgia. In Yerevan, he met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Vahagn Khachaturyan.