Official Yerevan should have its agenda to create a favorable environment for solving Armenia and Artsakh security problems
The past days were rich in statements and comments regarding Armenia-Artsakh-Azerbaijan issues. Announcements are made daily from Armenia, Azerbaijan, the West, and Russia, which proves that intense processes are unfolding in our region. In the background of active announcements, a remarkable piece of information was spread.
Thus, “Liberty” radio station reported last week that Toivo Klaar, Senior Advisor to the US Secretary of State on Caucasus Negotiations, US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Louis Bono, and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin communicated recently within the framework of international discussions in Geneva. However, the anonymous source who conveyed the information to “Liberty” did not reveal details of the content of the discussions, whether the diplomats of the European Union, the United States, and Russia involved in the Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations discussed the international involvement of the Baku-Stepanakert dialogue.
The above information must have caused quite a stir because if such a meeting occurred, this news could even be considered sensational. However, the information still needs to be officially confirmed. There is no confirmation or denial. It is also surprising that this shocking news did not find any response in the press and did not receive the attention of experts.
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And on July 15, 2 days before the Nikol Pashinyan-Charles Michel-Ilham Aliyev trilateral meeting in Brussels, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, referring to the trilateral meeting brokered by the head of the European Council Charles Michel in Brussels, unexpectedly mentioned that Moscow supports any constructive mediation that leads to of peace between Baku and Yerevan. “Moscow supports any constructive mediation that leads to peace between Baku and Yerevan. Conclusions should be made based on the results of the meeting,” said Zakharova.
The information of “Liberty,” as well as the earlier statement of the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, could be considered a sure hope in terms of the possible restoration of contacts between Russia and the West. If the ice “melts,” and in any matter, even humanitarian, it can be considered significant progress.
It has been repeatedly mentioned that it would be an ideal option if the official Yerevan were not only limited from time to time by recording “well, what should we do, the format of the OSCE Minsk Group does not exist; instead, it to become the party contributing to the restoration of Russia-West contacts in the context of Artsakh, Armenia-Azerbaijan issues.
By the way, last week, Maria Zakharova, referring to the topic of the work with Azerbaijan on stopping the blocking of the Lachin Corridor, answered the question of whether the Russian side has the opportunity to influence Azerbaijan in connection with the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and whether it is possible to deliver humanitarian aid to Artsakh by helicopters and with planes owned by Russian peacekeepers. “We work with all parties, not only in the public sphere, as far as the methodology is concerned. And as for the delivery of humanitarian aid, as we understand, individual countries of the international structure are developing various options for solving this issue,” she said, without clarifying what options she meant and which structures are developing them.
The confrontation between Russia and the West is undoubtedly apparent, and official Moscow continues to accuse the West on various topics in the context of the war in Ukraine almost daily. However, official Yerevan should have its specific agenda; it is not worth sitting idly by regarding the restoration of the OSCE Minsk Group format, even in the conditions of today’s realities.
The situation in Artsakh should become a severe factor in restoring that format. It is obvious that it would be an undesirable scenario for Baku and Ankara, and such attempts would be met with extreme resistance. Still, the Armenian side should not continually adapt to the conditions dictated by the Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem.
Although Azerbaijan is against restoring the OSCE Minsk Group, it should be noted that it has provided a platform to Russia and the USA on other issues. And the other day, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, speaking at the Global Media Forum in Shushi, reminded them about it, noting that Baku can become a place where Russian-American contacts can be resumed. “We are not an arena of competition; we are an arena of cooperation. Commanders of the US and Russian armed forces and chiefs of general staff have gathered in Baku many times and discussed various issues. “Baku can become a place where contacts between Russia and the USA can be renewed,” he said. The meetings mentioned by Aliyev were held several times, of course, not with Armenia-Azerbaijan or Artsakh problems, but their promotion by Aliyev suggests once again that official Yerevan should have its agenda in purpose to create a favorable environment for solving the security problems of Armenia and Artsakh.
Emma GABRIELYAN
“Aravot” daily, 25.07.2023
