The Armenian-Azerbaijani summit, mediated by the Russian president yesterday, shows the extent of Moscow's influence over the Karabakh conflict.This is the view of Azerbaijani political scientist Fikrat Sadikhov.
"As was expected, there was nothing sensational at the meeting of the presidents in Astrakhan and there could not have been since the Karabakh conflict is a tight knot, which cannot be untied at once," Sadikhov said today.
"But on the other hand, the reality is that Russia has confirmed its influence over the negotiating process and shown that it does not want to lose control over the Karabakh conflict. It is obvious that if Russia wants to, it can force Armenia to take a constructive stance on the resolution of the Karabakh conflict. President Medvedev seems to be willing and to be doing everything for the resolution of the Karabakh conflict," the political scientist said.
"For Russia, this meeting in Astrakhan was important, as it showed to the world community that it can control the situation in the Karabakh conflict and offer options for a solution ahead of the OSCE summit in Astana. The humanitarian agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the exchange of captives and human remains from both sides is positive. This is an achievement, however small, and it should be realized that it is difficult to expect more," he said.
"The most difficult aspect is the status of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan and the OSCE Minsk Group are for the phased resolution of the conflict: first the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied lands, then the return of displaced persons and other issues of improvement in the region of the conflict. Meanwhile, Armenia insists on the resolution of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh in one package.
"However, it is clear to all that Azerbaijan will not agree to territories in exchange for status. Official Baku has accepted the proposals of the OSCE Minsk Group on the Madrid principles and now it is up to Armenia to decide," he said.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
