“RA MFA Edward Nalbandyan is sly a bit, saying RF MFA Sergey Lavrov didn’t bring a package to Yerevan,” Alexey Martynov, Head of Moscow International Higher Business School MIRBIS (Institute), told 168.am, touching upon the statement by Azerbaijani MFA Elmar Mammadyarov, that Moscow proposes the sides a phase-to-phase settlement program, on which Azerbaijan isn’t against, and statement by Nalbandyan, that Lavrov didn’t bring any proposals to Yerevan. According to Martynov, Russia’s disposition is establishing peace and not appearing in favor of any side. “I’d like the sides to settle their issues and be at the negotiation table, and not on the contact line,” Martynov said.

“Lavrov has brought a program, it’s another issue whether it’s half-way or not. As far as I understand, currently we speak of NKR to become a participant of negotiations, as a party. By April war the situation has radically changed and, presently, at least we should speak of the fact that we have all the grounds, as a full party, as NK conflict is developing between Azerbaijan and NKR, and recent tension clearly showed that. Karabakh is an unrecognized, but a complete state, and its engagement with negotiations will be NKR political recognition not only by Armenia and Azerbaijan, but by the whole world. Obviously, the Azerbaijani side is afraid and cautious about that, thus it obstacles that. I consider, Russia, will also support that formula. In my opinion, participation of NKR in negotiations will have international support, and it’s the way of peace. Currently, the issue of not only of the conflicting parties, but that of mediators is establishment of stabile peace in the South Caucasus,” Alexey Martynov concluded.

By Araks Martirosyan