“Karabakh conflict escalations discredit Moscow”
He stated as long as NK conflict isn’t settled, and settlement preconditions currently lack, violent confrontation with outbreaks of such incidents will continue. According to him there is no exit from this deadlock, as long as the sides develop their traditional policy.
“History also shows that such regional conflicts may last long, thus, I hesitate to speak of the exit or settlement of this conflict,” Malashenko said.
He believes after Crimea, Syria, Donbass such a situation in Karabakh discredits Russia due to the very reason that Russia attempts to return the sides to the negotiation table, at the same time, showing peace with OSCE MG French and American counterparts, as suspension of negotiations with them will also discredit Russia against the background of ongoing developments.
“I can’t state what results will current efforts by the Co-Chairs have. I can surely state that success will be very local, global agreements aren’t anticipated in this conflict, as interests of parties to the conflict, external players haven’t considerably changed throughout recent years. Thus, the situation will continue the way it was in the period of recent years—senseless negotiations, sharpened situation on the line of contact,” Russian political scientist said.
Asked what the April War has changed, Malashenko said almost nothing. According to him, the war was an unexpected development for everyone, including Russia. That’s why Malashenko considers Russia took some actions aimed at strengthening of Armenia’s security.
“Although from the perspective of the quality of military officers the Armenian side has always had a privilege in case, when the Azerbaijani side both technically and army number exceeds the Armenian side. This has been a rather essential circumstance of restraint,” Malashenko said.
By Araks Martirosyan
