Astana’s “message” was also voiced in Baku, this time performed by Lavrov
On June 17, in his interview to the Public Television, Serzh Sargsyan again referred to the distressful theme of Astana. “The Republic of Armenia has its own distinct borders, and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic has its own distinct borders. It is above suspicion. And all the politicians who at the very end are trying not to understand the situation of Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence correctly and are trying to make this theme a subject for discussion, they do not support, on the contrary, they hinder the resolution of the matter and cause additional hazards for the Republic of Armenia.” The point that the purpose of the Armenian side is to convince the world of Nagorno Karabakh’s independent is not news to anyone. Legally, Serzh Sargsyan’s formulations were definitely correct. But the entire problem is that the issue of Armenia’s accession to the Eurasian programs easily appeared in the trap of Azerbaijan’s diplomacy and later propaganda. Reading of the Azerbaijan President’s letter in Astana was an Azerbaijan diplomatic and propaganda “trick”, which still is on. The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who yesterday was in Baku on an official visit, reiterated what was said weeks ago by Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana, Armenia would join the Eurasian Union by the UN-recognized borders. “Integration processes nowadays occur in the territories of the states, which constitute a part of the Customs Union. Nagorno-Karabakh is not considered the one, but it is a subject of negotiations, which is exercised based on the agreed principles,” said Lavrov. The Russian Foreign Minister had noticed that the Armenian side is involved in the integration processes by the UN-recognized borders. “The same thing will happen within the Eurasian process,” added Lavrov aiming to prove that the Eurasian Union does not have any connection with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Serzh Sargsyan’s explanations with regard to viewing Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh separately are, of course, logical and substantiated. Followed by the same principle, Armenia could also initial the EU Association Agreement without any reference about Nagorno-Karabakh. The difference is that those expressing against the Association Agreement were intimidating the society that a Customs checkpoint will be installed between Armenian and Karabakh by the Europeans’ directive, and now they are silent under the possible appearance of similar “challenges” in case the Eurasian programs are implemented. What actually happened…? Official Baku developed and quite skillfully employed “Armenia’s borders” without Karabakh” theme and called to action during the event held under the auspices of the “strategic ally” by raising the issue in Astana with the help of Nazarbayev, with silent consent of Moscow. Whether Azerbaijan will join the Eurasian Union or not, is not even definite. Referring to Azerbaijan’s accession to the Eurasian Union, Lavrov mentioned in Baku that no formal invitation was made to Azerbaijan, but Moscow is happy when its partners are interested in the Eurasian area. Whereas, a few days ago, Russia’s Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev clearly stated that Azerbaijan may consider the issue of participation in the integration processes under the Eurasian Economic Partnership, and said that Azerbaijan was invited to the Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Union. However, another remarkable fact was again corroborated in Baku: Russia and Azerbaijan are strategic partners. This was emphasized by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the joint press conference organized after the meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. The two foreign ministers have also discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement in Baku. Mammadyarov has stated that the French president has acted with a suggestion to organize a meeting with the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan. “Currently, we are expecting a more specific suggestion from France regarding the organization of this meeting.” What will Lavrov announce in Yerevan, will become clear in a few days?
EMMA GABRIELYAN
