"Armenia will either accept updated Madrid principles, or it will untie Azerbaijan's hands"

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will visit Ankara in a couple of days. Russian President Medvedev was on an official visit to Ankara recently. In your opinion, can the closer ties between Turkey and Russia accelerate Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement?

It is obvious that Turkey’s position in the conflict is closer to Azerbaijan's. Can the rapprochement between Moscow and Ankara influence settlement of the conflict in terms of pressure on Armenia? Perhaps, it can given Armenia’s plans to open border with Turkey. These plans are now stalled. But opening of borders is very important for Yerevan. However, no one can say that the pressure will certainly produce result. I believe Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be discussed during Putin’s talks in Turkey.

Azerbaijan has announced that it has endorsed the updated Madrid Principles while Armenia delays its response…  

There is no another approach to solving the problem. Well, maybe there is one, but only the updated Madrid principles are widely recognized and accepted. So, talks in Ankara will revolve around them.

In your view, what will be Armenia’s response to the updated Madrid principles?

I think all international mediators will encourage the parties to accept these principles. Just a year ago, Baku also very negatively reacted to the Madrid principles, but accepted them after they were completed. I think today Yerevan has no other legitimate ways to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but to accept the updated Madrid principles. Therefore, either Armenia will accpept the updated Madrid principles and the process starts to move, or Armenia rejects them, thus remaining in a tough position, blocking efforts of international mediators, causing their condemnation, and, finally, untying  Azerbaijan’s hands. However, I have always said a military solution to the conflict is unprofitable for both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

At present, what is Russia’s stance on the Karabakh issue? Has it changed over the past years?

Moscow's position is close to the updated Madrid principles. Russia is a mediator, it was involved in development of these principles. So, Russia will insist that all parties to the conflict accept it.

In your opinion, what stance will Russia take in event of resumed hostilities?

I think Moscow would oppose military solution to the conflict. However, if the war is launched, Russia will refrain from direct intervention in the conflict on either side.

How would you describe the current state of the Azerbaijani-Russian relations?

Today, Dmitry Medvedev seeks those areas where progress can be achieved and where he can distinguish himself as a successful politician. Azerbaijani-Russian relations are consistently positive.

And what about Armenia-Russia relations?

I think they are exactly the same. Moscow appreciates relations with Baku and Yerevan almost equally.


/Day.Az/