More pragmatic policies

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visits to Baku and Yerevan have
not altered the present state of affairs in the South Caucasus, but
did somehow affect the whole situation. Russia stressed that a
military solution to the problem of Nagorno-Karabakh is unacceptable
and that the peace talks should be continued. Moscow remains neutral
and is ready to be a negotiator.

However, it is now very hard to predict what this policy will lead to.
President Medvedev's visit to both capitals signifies a beginning of a
new period in the history of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but it
neither solved a problem, nor reassured the parties of Russian
support. Medvedev has not promised to prevent Azerbaijani aggression
with the use of Russian forces located in Armenia.

This position is welcomed by Azerbaijani - its plans to use force if
the peace talks are not successful has already become evident.
Although Russia has called upon Azerbaijan not to put pressure on its
neighbours, it has no intention on forcing it to do anything.

The Russian policy towards Azerbaijan has become pragmatic. The recent
visit by Medvedev only underlined this. The contracts signed during
his visit are very profitable for Russian companies and the agreement
between Azerbaijan and Gazprom has certainly strengthened Russia's
position in its "gas conflict" with the European Union.

Evgeny Krishtalev. Exclusively for VK.