Russia is sending messages to Azerbaijan on Karabakh: Skakov
“Rather crucial messages are sent to Azerbaijan on a high level,” Alexander Skakov, Russian political scientist, told 168.am, reflecting to Lavrov-Mammadyarov meeting results.
During the press conference with Elmar Mammadyarov, Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russia, stated that Russian Federation will continue works around conflict settlement both within bilateral relations of Baku and Yerevan, and in trilateral meetings and as a MG Co-Chair.
Lavrov stressed that all steps are taken towards conflict settlement in accordance with principal approaches developed with other MG Co-Chairs—The USA and France. “We are satisfied with negotiation results and will continue working around implementation of recommendations by our Co-Chairs,” the FM said. According to Lavrov 2-3 clear topics are being yet covered, which are crucial and final for the package, however, parties to the conflict are far from developing a common approach. In his turn, Elmar Mammadyarov stated that Russia exerts big efforts for Artsakh conflict settlement. “Russia exerts serious efforts for the conflict settlement, we have discussed it in detail. Both in Azerbaijan and in Armenia they’re followed, certain perspectives are observed,” Mammadyarov said.
Alexander Skakov said it isn’t a secret that Russia is using every platform to discuss NK conflict settlement perspective.
In his words this period isn’t an exception either, when there is certain tension on the contact line and on the border. “I consider these are systematic visits, succession of which coincided with the escalation, due to which Moscow, by stressing the role of other MG Co-Chairs, attempts to have its investment in restoration of further talks.
Mammadyarov praises the Russian side, as OSCE MG isn’t beneficial to Azerbaijan, it attempts to have certain benefits from the Russian side, however, Lavrov’s statement wasn’t accidental either, that the Russian side works with its American and French counterparts in all initiatives, these were messages that the proposals are yet on the table and should be implemented by Azerbaijan, as the latter refuses adoption of other proposals.
Russia’s position is clear, which was expressed recently as well, when Lavrov said that NK conflict isn’t Azerbaijan’s internal affair. Rather crucial messages are sent to Azerbaijan on a high level,” Alexander Skakov said.
He believes the Co-Chairs, parties interested in peace, have been convinced that there won’t be settlement with ceasefire strengthening, and it may be done by implementing the proposals stated last year in Vienna and in St. Petersburg. In his words installation of these mechanisms is a necessity. “However, I don’t have grounds to insist that in the future the sides will come to an agreement around installation of these mechanisms,” Skakov said.
He considers serious changes aren’t anticipated on the conflict zone, including lasting military operations. According to Skakov the first reason is that balance has been restored after the April War, when “Iskanders” were supplied to Armenia. Secondly, recent tension was simply an attempt to check soberness of Artsakh and Armenia, as throughout recent months a range of changes have occurred in the world. “However, attitude of superpowers hasn’t considerably changed either: NK conflict isn’t a priority for any mediator, however, no one will allow war,” he said.
By Araks Martirosyan
