Why is Russian FM visiting the region?
Vice Chairman of Heritage Party Ruben Hakobyan views the upcoming regional visit of Russian Foreign Minister as an attempt to put Armenia and Azerbaijan on the same
Sergei Lavron [Russian Foreign Minister] will visit the region on July 8 to pass Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents Russian President's message on the Karabakh conflict settlement, Azerbaijani media outlets report.
"I did not pin hopes on the Kazan meeting, yet it does not mean the process was a total failure. The meeting was another warning that the sides are delaying the settlement and it is time to sign the document put on the negotiation table [Madrid Principles]," Hakobyan told A1+.
He thinks that any document which aims to determine the status of Karabakh is a defeat for Armenia as it is written to the detriment of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
Ruben Hakobyan does not share the opinion that the Kazan talks failed because of Azerbaijan.
"The word "no" is inadmissible in diplomacy. However, Azerbaijan said "no" and Armenia made use of it," said the Heritage representative.
The document presented to Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents in Kazan was not acceptable for either of them. Most likely, it was also unacceptable for the OSCE Minsk Group Chairs, specifically for Russia.
Hakobyan does not think that Russia was displeased with the outcome of the Kazan meeting.
"It is widely believed that Russia lost in Kazan but I do not agree with the opinion. The document presented to the presidents in Kazan was elaborated by Russia. The continuation of this "failed" process may increase Russia's image worldwide," he said.
Ruben Hakobyan does not have great expectations from the upcoming visit of the co-chairs.
"The format of the talks should be changed completely as the talks are deadlocked. The main party [Karabakh] is not involved in the talks. It appears as if a third country is to decide the fate of Artsakh. Therefore, the talks cannot produce a healthy solution," he concluded.
