Karabakh Conflict not to be Settled as Long as Russia is in the Lead: Polish Analyst

“Probability of positive progress in Karabakh conflict settlement isn’t observed,” Konrad Zasztowt, political analyst of Polish Institute of International Affairs (Warsaw), told 168.am, touching upon Karabakh conflict and the disposition by the EU in this regard.

Note, at the Plenary Session on Nagorno-Karabakh issue in the European Parliament, Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated, “We continue to insist on strict respect of the ceasefire and moving forward with peace talks. In particular, targeting civilians must be ceased. However, evidently, we aren’t able to agree upon the status quo and our political purpose must be resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict by the sides.” In her words, the EU supports the settlement of the conflict based on the Madrid Principles proposed by the Co-chairs. “Today those efforts are more than important today. The conflict settlement will remain on EU’s conversation agenda with Armenia and Azerbaijan as partner countries,” Mogherini stated.

Touching upon this Zasztowt firstly stated, that his expectations came true, regarding the point, that NK conflict is not a frozen conflict, as numerous experts were attempting to introduce. Moreover, in his words, the conflict won’t be settled for a lasting period, or progress won’t be recorded, as Russia is in the lead in the conflict zone, due to leverages it possesses towards the conflicting states.

“Settlement is not in favor of Russia, thus, the conflict won’t be settled. I don’t observe rapid solution, meanwhile, these leverages are maintained, and the EU is not active. I share the criticism directed to the EU in the sense, that the EU is passive on Karabakh conflict zone. More initiative policy should be implemented, thus a question rises here: will the conflicting sides agree on it?” Konrad Zasztowt said reminding the proposal by F.Mogherini, that the EU is ready to support the sides, if they are willing to. In her conviction, the EU will implement it, if agreed by the sides, however, they don’t send messages to Brussels. “What may the EU do in this regard, problems of which are not less as well? Simply they realize in the EU that wide-scale war is a big threat to the region, and it shouldn’t be permitted, thus, the EU may assume a certain role, if the sides agree,” he noted.

By Araks Martirosyan