Europe and Russia in Geopolitical Battle for South Caucasus

The leader of one of Armenia’s opposition party Aram Karapetian recently stated that Europe and Russia are carrying out a serious geopolitical battle for the South Caucasus. The current visit of French President Nicholas Sarkozy in the region could also be understood as a part of this battle. Sarkozy wanted to see the situation in the region personally and in particular Karapetian thinks that France will be promoting Armenia for integration into the EU and NATO. Karapetian also touched upon the issue of the Eurasian Union promoted by Russia expressing his positive assessment of the organization. The only obstacle in the way of development of this region Karapetian thinks is the Karabakh conflict.