Russia-Turkey Rapprochement will be Positively Reflected on Karabakh Situation: Skakov
“Progress in NK conflict settlement are agreed activities of the Minsk Group,” Alexender Skakov, Russian political scientist, told 168.am touching upon Sargsyan-Aliyev meeting to be held in Paris and the possibility of installation of security mechanisms at this stage.
He stated that a situation is created in negotiations, when it’s difficult to consider the role of any mediator as leading, including Moscow, although the latter desired it. According to him, essence of the situation is that mediators and sides realized that war is very probable, its threat is rather high, and steps should be taken to prevent it.
Skakov stated, that in fact, it’s not an easy job either, as the sides, in particular, Azerbaijan, is against events targeted at stabilization of the contact line, which extends this stage of negotiations. In his words, recent two meetings initiated by mediators, first in Vienna, and the second in St. Petersburg, provided grounds towards assuming responsibility or signing an obliging agreement on installation of investigative mechanisms. However, according to the Russian analyst on account of policy of denial led by Azerbaijan regarding this issue, maybe there will be need, that mediators exerted pressure.” At this stage shaping of serious negotiations in Paris, the USA and Moscow I consider impossible, as the sides, basically don’t negotiate, mediators exert efforts at least to stabilize the contact line, which is failed. For real negotiations some time is needed,” Skakov said.
Touching upon possible implications of Russia-Turkey rapprochement against the background of the situation on NK zone he stated that the developing situation will contribute to NK conflict as well. According to him, it’s clear that Russia and Turkey didn’t forget the offense and contestation in one day, however, in the context of high diplomacy Turkey will suspend provocations against Russia.
“In Azerbaijan’s recent activities position of Turkey’s authorities had its active role. There is no need reminding of the statement released by the Turkish authorities throughout the days of the April war, to which we have repeatedly reflected and insisted, that they instigate Azerbaijan for provocations on the contact line. Russian side also reflected to it on the level of Foreign Minister. I think, at this stage, when Russia’s president accepted Turkey’s apology and is reviewing bilateral sanctions, tension will be eliminated in this context as well. I’m sure, at this stage, when Russia’s president accepted apology of Turkey’s president, and they are reviewing bilateral sanctions, tension will be eliminated in a wider context, and rapprochement will be positively reflected, “ Skakov concluded.
By Araks Martirosyan
