Armenia Should Toughen Its Stance During Karabakh Conflict Settlement Process: Head of "Insight" Analytical Center

• 02.13.2017, 23:10
•  Region,  "Insight" Analytical Center ,  Armenia

"When speaking about the Karabakh conflict settlement, it is necessary to separate two elements: the negotiation process and the situation on the border". This was declared by the head of "Insight" Analytical Center For Applied Policy and Research, Narek Minasyan during a press conferencein "Novosti-Armenia" media center. "On one hand we have agreements, that, unfortunately, are not being implemented, on the other hand, we see intensified ceasefire violations. In fact,Azerbaijan moves negotiation process to a deadlock".

"After the April war in the context of the negotiation process two important events took place: the meeting of the presidents in Vienna and Saint Petersburg. The April war affected the whole negotiation process and it was necessary to understand what the situation is and what direction should be chosen to move forward," the expert noted, adding that "both meetings were an attempt by the Russian President and the mediators to prevent the failure of the negotiations".

"Among the agreements reached in these meeting was the necessity of introduction of investigation mechanisms and the expansion of the Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman. It is also noteworthy that during these meeting it was highlighted that the tripartite agreements on ceasefire of signed 1994-95 are still in force," Minasyan said. 

"Azerbaijan tries to put an end to these agreements, in some cases even falling into extremes. But the Armenian sides insist on their implementation, noting that they should ensure the minimum level of trust which will give chance to move to political negotiations," the expert mentioned.

Referring to the border situation, Minasyan said "a few months after the April war the ceasefire was relatively maintained, but in the second half of the year the escalation increased." "Now we witness attempts of sabotage".

Summing up the situation, the expert noted that on one hand there are agreements that, unfortunately, are not being implemented, on the other hand, there are intensified ceasefire violations. "In fact Azerbaijan moves negotiation process to a deadlock".

Speaking about possible actions, Minasyan said "it is not realistic to expect any positive changes or political progress from the possible meeting of the foreign ministers of Armenian and Azerbaijan, but this meeting should be used to send an appropriate message to the Co-Chairs and Azerbaijan that in case of continuation of Azerbaijan's destructive policy Armenia will also have to reconsider its position on various issues".

"The necessity of reconsidering Armenia’s position becomes more urgent. Not being able to make success by force or at the negotiating table Azerbaijan moves its destructive stance to related fields. As a result, we have the Lapshin issue, some kind of pressure in international organizations and so on. Thus, counterblow is needed,"  the expert concluded.