KEY ARMENIAN OFFICIAL FAVORS “AXIS” WITH RUSSIA AND IRAN.

According to the senior presidential adviser on foreign policy, Aram Sarkisian, Armenia could join Russia and Iran in forming a “geostrategic axis of stability” in the South Caucasus and adjacent areas. “Neither Russia nor Iran have a potential for expansion, nor do they threaten the security of other countries,” Sarkisian added in an interview with a Yerevan foreign affairs weekly. Describing Russia as Armenia’s main ally, Sarkisian pointed to “Israel’s alliance with Turkey” as a matter of concern to Armenia (Novoye Vremya, November 21).

Sarkisian, leader of the small Democratic Party, was picked earlier this year by President Robert Kocharian for the senior adviser’s post. In that capacity, Sarkisian promotes close contacts not only with Russia but also with countries–from Syria to Greece and Greek Cyprus–which have disputes of some kind or other with Turkey.

REBEL STRONGHOLDS IDENTIFIED IN TAJIKISTAN.