YEREVAN, 26 FEBRUARY, ARMENPRESS. The republics of the South Caucasus are important for Russia, each in its own way. This is what Head of the International Committee of the Federal Council of the Russian Federation Konstantin Kosachev declared during a February 26 press conference in Moscow, as “Armenpress” reports, citing RIA Novosti. “Russia is interested in establishing peace and stability in the region,” the politician said.

 According to him, whereas Azerbaijan is Russia’s major partner in trade, economy and politics, Armenia is Russia’s close partner. “We’re together not only within the CIS, but also within the CSTO, and now within the Eurasian Economic Union,” Kosachev said.

 Kosachev informed that nearly 350 Armenian non-governmental organizations spread propaganda against accession to the Eurasian Economic Union and are in favor of Armenia’s accession to the EU within the Eastern Partnership Plan. The senator voiced hope that Armenia would be able to avoid the attempt to make such a choice. “I hope Russia and Armenia will maintain the alliance and friendly relations spanning years and centuries, just like it was in the past,” Kosachev said.