Alexey Vlasov, VK’s editor-in-chief, says a preliminary agreement on a Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement could be achieved by the end of
2012.
Vlasov disagrees with common opinion on the recent Kazan trilateral meeting, saying it was more a step on the way to peaceful settlement of the problem than a total failure, as many say. The signing of a document posing basic principles for a Karabakh conflict settlement was impossible during the Kazan meeting, as both sides still disagree on several important issues. For example, Armenia emphasizes the question of Nagorno-Karabakh's future status, while Azerbaijan stresses the removal of Armenian troops from its territories.
Alexey Vlasov also disagrees with the opinion that Moscow favors the Nagorno-Karabakh status quo and doesn’t really want any changes. Vlasov pointed out that this lasting conflict destabilizes the situation in the North Caucasus as well, so Russia is unlikely to abdicate its mediatory status, despite all rumours. Moreover, Russia is to play the key role in a Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, even if other mediators are discontent with such a monopoly.
