Image source: topwar.ru
31 October in Sochi held a trilateral meeting of the leaders of the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan and Armenia. It was attended by the presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan, Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan. As expected, the meeting was devoted to the settlement of the situation in the Caucasus and early peaceful resolution of the conflict between Baku and Yerevan.
As noted by the President of Russia Vladimir Putin after the meeting, she "created a good atmosphere for possible future agreements" on a number of fundamental questions. The main purpose of the meeting, the Russian President called the maintenance of all the agreements that were reached earlier in 2020 and 2021.
At a small press conference that followed the meeting, Putin did not expand on what is discussed with Aliyev and Pashinyan. He confirmed that the region will be saved the presence of Russian peacekeeping contingent, but on the possibility of extending it to accommodate up to 20 years, as requested Pashinyan said that this issue was also discussed.
In a joint statement following the meeting, signed by Putin, Aliyev and Pashinyan, the importance of the presence of the peacekeeping contingent from Russia was stressed. Also noted the need to prepare for the conclusion of a peace Treaty.
The parties agreed to refrain from using force or the threat of its use, and discuss all the questions on the basis of mutual recognition of territorial integrity and inviolability of borders in accordance with the UN Charter and the Alma ATA Declaration of 1991.
Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan expressed support for the Russian approach to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh. He also expressed interest Yerevan to unlock regional communications. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev confirmed the dovish stance, calling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict "is already history", and noting that it ended two years ago.
At the same time, a number of the issues raised has caused mixed reviews. So, Azerbaijani political scientist Ilgar Velizade commented on the possibility of extending the presence of Russian peacekeepers. According to the expert, Azerbaijan is not even considered, since the conflict in Baku see Pashinyan and Azerbaijani can't invite peacekeepers.
A peace Treaty, no doubt, will be beneficial primarily to Azerbaijan, as will put an end to the Karabakh issue. A lot depends on what concessions Baku will be ready to go in Armenia.
Now Yerevan is, to put it mildly, not the best position, and he would have, anyway, to make concessions in Baku. In fact, Putin is trying to make the interests of the Armenian side has not been completely violated in the process of concluding a peace Treaty with Azerbaijan. But as mentioned earlier the President of Russia during the Valdai forum, Moscow, in any case, is supported by all the decisions in this regard is ready to take the Armenian people, if they relate to peace and conflict resolution in the Caucasus.
