Eventually, the reason for the pause in negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement has become clear. Yerevan has to solve the problems of harmonization of stances with the Armenian Diaspora and Karabakh Armenians. It is fairly clear that the Karabakh problem will be discussed once again at summit level at the OSCE summit in December 2010, Director General of Information at the Analysis Centre of Lomonosov Moscow State University, editor-in-chief of VK, political analyst Alexei Vlasov in his interview to SalamNews.
What is expected of Dmitry Medvedev’s official visit to Azerbaijan, which is scheduled for September? Why in September? What problems might be discussed between the two heads of state?
It's possible that this visit may become crucial. Any problems, from energy issues to the humanitarian sphere, may be discussed. All these possible spheres of cooperation have their own positive examples. Our two countries have at last become fully-fledged strategic partners. The main aim of the visit is to show this potential once again.
Please, comment on the situation around the possible purchase of the Russian long-range surface-to-air missile systems S-300 “Favorit” by Azerbaijan, as well as extension of the military cooperation treaty with Armenia.
In my opinion, Russia seeks to take balanced steps. Previously, Armenia was Russia's priority in the Caucasus. However, cooperation with Baku is now being expanded, including military and technical cooperation. This is a very important fact. It should be noted that the extension of the military treaty on the Russian military base in Armenia, the “renewal formula”, shouldn’t be overestimated. Little has changed. Russia seeks to maintain a balance of interests between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It is a very difficult task. However, it is not impracticable in principle. Let us see the outcome of the September meeting.
- How would you characterize the current stage of negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace settlement? What hampers the negotiation process now? Can any progress be expected in the near future?
-The current stage of negotiations is very complicated in its dynamics. There is no direct progress, but it is quite likely that a breakthrough will take place soon. It is clear that the breakthrough may begin with the return of districts. It is also clear that Yereven will have to solve the problems of harmonization of stances with the Armenian Diaspora and the Karabakh Armenians. It is fairly clear that the Karabakh problem will be discussed once again at summit level at the OSCE summit in December 2010. However, this is just until now. There are still no other specifics.
