Russian and French Presidents Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron discussed the Karabakh issue in the meeting in Moscow.
Vladimir Putin noted this while he took part in the joint press conference with his counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.
In his statement Putin praised the activity of Russian peacekeeping forces in Karabakh along with stressing the importance of OSCE Minsk Group’s role in the solution of all humanitarian and social-economic problems.
Well-known political expert Tofig Abbasov told EDNews that the exchange of views between Russian and French leaders on the Karabakh issue at a meeting on a different topic is necessary for the normalisation of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.
"First of all, it should be noted that Russia and France, as members of the Minsk Group, have long mediated in the negotiations over the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. At the same time, Russia's geopolitical interests in the South Caucasus should be taken into account. Russia has carried a responsibility for the main moderator role in resolving a number of issues related to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Russia is a country interfering in all processes in the region by using both political and military means. It should be noted that after the Patriotic War, trilateral statements have been signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan with the participation of President Vladimir Putin. These statements are aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region”.
During the talk, he noted that Armenian leadership deliberately delayed the implementation of its obligations required by trilateral statements, and added that Yerevan continued to violate the norms of international law.
Touching upon France’s support to Armenia, T.Abbasov stressed that both government and opposition forces were trying to use Armenian card for their political purposes.
"As we know, in this year France will carry the responsibility for the leadership of the European Union. Therefore, French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to indicate that his country is openly interested in many issues, including Ukraine and Karabakh, in order to present his country as a strong leader in Europe. At the same time, President Macron is trying to make the Armenian community in his country know that he is always stands by Armenia. In general, the use of Armenian issue during the pre-election as a tool by the political elite and political forces in France has become a political culture. The illegal visit of presidential candidate Valery Pekres to Karabakh in violation of international law proves it”.
In conclusion, political expert noted that both Russia and European Union have engaged in the important activity to create conditions for the signing of peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which could lead to the normalization of relations between two countries of the South Caucasus.
"The participation of EU leader Charles Michel in a meeting together with President Macron between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev indicates that the European Union is already actively working to reduce tensions and establish stability in the South Caucasus."
