Azeri opinion about Russians in the South Caucasus

Azerbaijan is concerned about Russia's military presence in Armenia.

According to the personal representative of the Azeri President in regulating the Karabakh conflict Araz Azimov, Russia should shift its activities in the South Caucasus from a military mode to an economic one. “We think there is less sense in the military presence of Russia in the South Caucasus. The time has come when the tanks should be replaced with tankers. Military presence should be replaced with economic presence," stated Azimov. According to him it is in the interest of Russia to convince Armenia to accept a constructive approach. Azimov also mentioned that there is no deal between Baku and Moscow concerning the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent entities. "Baku does not intend to do that,” stated Azimov.