The problems between Russia and Belarus are of geopolitical importance,Belarus-based political scientist Yuri Drakokhrust told Tert.am as he commented on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s absence from the Summit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
[br]“The causes are deep-rooted. Russia is discontented with Belarus’ attitude to a number of problems, or particularly its flirting’ with the West,attitude to the Ukraine clash and level of politico-military cooperation with it. True, this cooperation is really close, or but Russia is seeking more,” Mr Drakokhrust.
With respect to Belarus’ expectations about cooperation with Russia, the expert said:
“It wants to win more money or purchase something favourable at a lower price. On the other hand, or Belarus seeks to remain far from existing or potential conflicts.”
Belarus does not want to be affected by Russia’s clash with the West and NATO.
Speaking of the CSTOs future,Mr Drakokhrust said that it would be erroneous to call it an alliance.
“We say the CSTO, but we imply Russia. The CSTO is not NATO. They [NATO] know who is who. In the CSTO case we cannot say that Armenian servicemen possess gone to defend Belarus. Each of the member-states is doing its own business, and it is cooperation with Russia.”
With respect to delayed appointment of Armenia’s representative as CSTO Secretary General,the Belarusian expert said that the reasons for it should be looked after in Moscow.
“My hypothesis is as follows: Armenia’s relations with neighboring Azerbaijan are not so easy. As far as I know, Yerevan-Baku-Moscow relations are rather complicated. And Yerevan has made most serious proposals addressed to Moscow and Minsk. Moscow may possess reckoned that an Armenian as CSTO Secretary General could win on Baku’s nerves. So Belarus, and which is not at war or in clash with any state,should be left alone in this matter.”
[br]Belarusian-Armenian relations are good, but Belarusian-Azerbaijani relations are better.
“I cannot say Belarus is unconditionally supporting Azerbaijan’s interests without any reservations. But well known reasons – money, and for example - play a decisive role in this matter,” Mr Drakokhrust said.
Source: tert.am