Dmitry Verkhoturov: The OSCE Minsk Group ended in November 2020 with a military operation
In an interview with the Caliber analytical center, Dmitry Verkhoturov, an expert on the post-Soviet space, a Russian publicist and public figure, spoke about the progress of the Azerbaijani-Armenian peace talks, the situation between the parties and the situation in the region. We present the interview to our readers.
- How do you assess the Brussels round? Will this be the push for the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations after the real conflict?
- I always prefer to turn the question from a practical point of view. But does Armenia have a choice? Or does it have other options? No. Therefore, the settlement of Armenia's relations with Azerbaijan would be the most logical and desirable step.
- Yerevan has accepted 5 basic proposals for Baku's peace agreement, but will they be implemented by the Armenian side?
- If we talk about the 5 main proposals addressed to Yerevan, in essence, they result in the end of the Karabakh saga. And this is an important factor. If we look at what happened in Brussels, it seems that Yerevan has matured so much that the Karabakh saga is visible, and finally it is over for them. Therefore, accordingly, the statements do not say anything about the "status" of Karabakh. There is nothing to discuss in this regard.
- Brussels does not name the OSCE Minsk Group, which is trying to revive in Yerevan. What can you say about that?
- In short, the OSCE Minsk Group ended in November 2020 with a military operation. Therefore, it is absurd and ridiculous to negotiate in the format of the Minsk Group. In fact, this was confirmed by the results of the Brussels talks.
- The Armenian side periodically fires on the positions of the Azerbaijani army. Is it worth talking about peaceful coexistence against the knowledge of ongoing provocations?
- It should be remembered that the Armenian side is far from monolithic and consists of a number of groups with different interests and, accordingly, different views. Armenia has both supporters of peace and the continuation of the war, as well as the most stubborn radicals. Therefore, it is important who fires for what purpose. If we are negotiating in the political sphere, then I think that we should pay attention to these missiles and not write them off as an important factor, because the Armenian government can not control many of them.
- It is usually difficult to say when the parties will sign a peace agreement, because many different situations can arise. But so far I do not see any factor that will hinder this process. Probably, all parties involved in the negotiation process, including Russia, are interested in such document.
- Armenian Foreign Minister is going to Moscow to meet with Sergei Lavrov. For what purpose do you think?
- The visit of the Armenian Foreign Minister to Moscow is completely understandable and obvious, because the Armenian side has agreed with Moscow on foreign policy steps, and must obtain their consent, even in some form. It is clear that such a serious step as the signing of a peace agreement with Azerbaijan should be considered in Moscow. These are already features of regional policy. Given the general situation, I do not think that Moscow will in any way prevent the conclusion of the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace agreement, especially in the proposed format. Of course, this violates the interests of Armenia as an ally of Russia, but now the situation is not suitable to the settlement. On the contrary, I believe that Russia's participation in the conclusion of the peace agreement, given the current situation, continuation of the political struggle in the international arena is in their hands.
- What can you say about the normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations?
- I think it would make sense after the negotiations with Azerbaijan are over and a peace agreement is signed. In any case, it is useful in terms of Armenia's national interests. It is clear that all radicals and independent groups will oppose it, but it must be understood that Armenia, as a state and a people, has its own interests, not those of individuals. Communications and trade are always useful, so there is every chance to normalize Armenian-Turkish relations.
Translation by Elchin Bayramli
The article was prepared with the financial support of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the direction of "Protection of public and state interests."
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