The Armenian and Russian governments signed a deal on exports of Russian gas, petroleum and unprocessed diamonds to Armenia yesterday. According to the deal, no customs fees will be set for the exports. The document also stipulates sanctions for re-export of the Russian resources to other states. This provides some uncertainty regarding the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Russia recognizes Nagorno-Karabakh as a territory of Azerbaijan. Armenia continues occupation of a fifth of Azerbaijan’s territory and maintains something like a common economic zone with it.
Alexander Markarov, Director of the Armenian branch of the Institute for CIS States, emphasized that Armenia considers Nagorno-Karabakh its own territory. Selling resources in Nagorno-Karabakh would not mean re-export and would simply be distribution.
Vyacheslav Kovalenko, Director for Regional Programs of the Institute for Caspian Cooperation, said that Nagorno-Karabakh was a self-proclaimed independent republic, not a territory of Armenia. Armenia has not recognized it, the expert explains. Kovalenko is unsure how Russia will react to sales of its resources in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The Armenian and Russian governments signed a deal on exports of Russian gas, petroleum and unprocessed diamonds to Armenia yesterday. According to the deal, no customs fees will be set for the exports. The document also stipulates sanctions for re-export of the Russian resources to other states. This provides some uncertainty regarding the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.Russia recognizes Nagorno-Karabakh as a territory of Azerbaijan. Armenia continues occupation of a fifth of Azerbaijan’s territory and maintains something like a common economic zone with it.Alexander Markarov, Director of the Armenian branch of the Institute for CIS States, emphasized that Armenia considers Nagorno-Karabakh its own territory. Selling resources in Nagorno-Karabakh would not mean re-export and would simply be distribution.Vyacheslav Kovalenko, Director for Regional Programs of the Institute for Caspian Cooperation, said that Nagorno-Karabakh was a self-proclaimed independent republic, not a territory of Armenia. Armenia has not recognized it, the expert explains. Kovalenko is unsure how Russia will react to sales of its resources in Nagorno-Karabakh.
