“It is time Armenia sent a warning to Russia”
Political scientist Stepan Grigoryan explains the latest activation around the Karabakh issue by two factors.
"First, Russia seeks to extend lease of an Azerbaijani radar station [Gabala] which is an important military base for Russia. Second, Medvedev wants to run for a second term, after achieving tremendous success in the international arena," Grigoryan told A1+.
"A serious document is laid on the negotiation table. We should all realize that Russia is artificially accelerating the process which will harm not only Armenia, but also Karabakh, Azerbaijan and international community," he stressed.
The political scientist says it is time Armenia warned Russia that we shall no longer allow them to interfere in our business and solve issues for us. "Let me cite the years of David Bek when Russia settled its affairs in Caucasus by dividing and distributing Armenian lands. Armenia's elite will no longer endure Russia's interference in our affairs."
Grigoryan says Russia will not be able to achieve progress in the Karabakh talks as long as it pursues its own interests. At the same time he does not exclude that the conflicting sides may sign a document on the swap of prisoners and withdrawal of snipers.
"But there will not be any document on the Karabakh issue. So Russia had better suppress its appetite," said the political scientist.
He believes that the OSCE MG format will not change in the future, though the European Union may try to increase its role in the talks.
Regarding the statement of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan who linked Armenian-Turkish rapprochement with the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, Grigoryan said, "There is no mention about the Karabakh issue in the long-disputed Armenian-Turkish Protocols, which means that Turks are stepping down from the letter and spirit of the document. Turkey should understand that unless they open the border with Armenia, they will have a minor influence in the Karabakh issue and Caucasus region."
