On 8th of September newly elected Prime Minister of Armenian Republic Nikol Pashinyan held official working visit to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During his visit 2 leaders discussed the possibility of boosting ties between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The main agenda of this meeting was to break the stereotype of strained relations between these countries. The meeting between 2 presidents was open to press.
Pashinyan in his speech underlined following words: “We respect the sovereignty of Armenia and Russia and we do respect the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs of both countries”.
Actually, certain things are always said at such meeting, but most of the media outlets emphasized precisely this moment. Pashinyan also touched upon the dispute in Nagorno-Karabakh between Azerbaijan and Armenia in his talk with Russian president.
Eurasia Diary asked international experts to comment the latest visit of new Armenian PM to Moscow.
Peter Tase, American journalist, expert on political and international relations at the University of Chicago shared his thoughts in his interview with Eurasia Diary.
Peter Tase - political analyst
Peter Tase said: “The official visit of Mr. Pashinyan to Moscow represents once again the deeply rooted brotherhood between Armenia and Russia. The growing economic cooperation between both countries and Armenia's significant dependence on Moscow's geopolitical support, reassures the International Community that Yerevan and Moscow enjoy an indispensable bondage. During this international visit the Armenian leader expressed his commitment in respecting the sovereignty and independence of neighboring countries at the same time his nation's Armed Forces are occupying over twenty percent of the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan; Nagorno - Karabakh and adjacent seven districts (Kalbajar District, Aghdam District and others). The Armenian Government must focus on improving efficiency of domestic policies, fight corruption and allocate more resources into agriculture and infrastructure; in order to fulfill these engagements, Yerevan must urgently withdraw its troops from every inch of Azerbaijan's sovereign, historic lands”.
Besides mentioning superb relations between Russia and Armenia, Armenian PM stressed that Armenia is not ready to make concessions on disputes with Azerbaijan on the territorial affiliation of Nagorno-Karabakh. Furthermore, he claimed that N.K Nagorno-Karabakh should be amalgamated with Armenia and Armenian side will not concede N.K to Azerbaijan.
An American expert shared his thoughts linked to Pashinyan’s speech on Nagorno-Karabakh issue and possible negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia aimed at conflict resolution in peaceful frames.
“Serious pressure from the International Community will convince and oblige Mr. Pashinyan to engage in real talks with Baku. Populism in national politics of Armenia may reverberate into Yerevan's international posture and its engagement with reliable foreign actors including Azerbaijan. For as long as Armenia, Russia and other neighboring countries have armed forces, openly or covertly, in the sovereign territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan; economic progress and regional security in the outskirts of Europe will be imperiled, at the same time Azerbaijan will strengthen its democratic institutions. Azerbaijan's Foreign Policy Strategy is well consolidated and is well prepared to engage in effective negotiations”- Peter Tase said.
Another famous expert and writer Paul A. Goble in his short interview Eurasia Diary shared his thoughts on the latest visit of Armenian PM to Moscow. He also mentioned the possible solve of Nagorno Karabakh dispute and the implementation of UN Security Resolutions (822, 853,874 and 884) adopted in 1993.
Paul A. Goble - political analyst and writer
Paul A. Goble, an American analyst, writer and columnist with expertise on Russia said: “Moscow has been interfering in Armenia affairs and will continue to do so -- and it believes that Pashinyan will have to look the other way in order to get Russia's support on NK or at least not lose it completely. But in my view, Putin has failed to understand that Armenia is now moving away from the Russian system of corruption and domination and no longer believes Putin's promises”.
He also touched upon the possible regulation of conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He emphasized: “I do not expect a solution to the NK dispute anytime soon. Neither side is prepared to make the kind of concessions that would be needed, and Moscow is quite pleased to have the conflict continue as it gives the Russians room to maneuver and play in both capitals”.
Interviewed by Akber Bayramov
Correspondent of Eurasia Diary
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