“Distinctive feature of the Sochi meeting on resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh is that it took place in Russia which shows that the country seeks to undertake the initiative itself,” Azerbaijani political expert Fikrat Sadigov said.
He was commenting on a Sochi meeting of the Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian Presidents to discuss resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
“This is main specificity of the meeting,” he said.
“The fact that only preamble to the document has been negotiated means that nothing is agreed upon,” the political expert noted.
“We are always ready for any surprises from the Armenian side. We have already got used to it. The fact that this country is constantly trying to bargain status of Nagorno-Karabakh in exchange for the liberation of the territories is the limit which could force Azerbaijan to take extreme measures,” Sadigov added .
“It is very surprising that Lavrov announced the preamble had been negotiated at its statement after the meeting since it is impossible not to agree to the preamble, introductory part of any international document. Even the warring parties have never objected to this introduction because it essentially means nothing and is only a formal part,” the expert noted.
“It is clear that this was done because the parties failed to reach an agreement once again.”
“Azerbaijan has reiterated many times it agrees to the updated Madrid principles, it is ready to resolve the conflict peacefully, through diplomatic channels and it is willing to provide the high status to Nagorno-Karabakh and its self-determination within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan,” he said.
“But, the Azerbaijani side constantly faces some claims and is constantly urged to make some odd compromises. Do we need to give more of our territories in order to suit the Armenian side? So, it is puzzling, at least. Unfortunately, the major powers indulge in the Armenian side in this respect,” Sadigov noted.
“Lately, Russia seems to seek to undertake the initiative as it wants to improve relations with Turkey, to further develop relations with Azerbaijan knowing that Azerbaijan has become a fairly significant regional player, and it is much more profitable to develop partnership with Azerbaijan than with Armenia which is in a state of economic collapse and constantly needs extra funds and military and political support,” he said.
“It’s all understandable, but the Karabakh conflict cannot be resolved without pressure of external forces and leading powers on Armenia. It can be moved forward only after the major powers would have a real impact on this country which puts forward claims to the territories of neighboring states. Apparently, the appetite comes with eating,” the political scientist said.
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