Russian expert says Armenia-Azerbaijan talks over Karabakh unpredictableAugust 10, 2011 - 21:10 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The editor-in-chief of Vestnik Kavkaza information analytical agency Alexei Vlasov believes it too early to summarize the results of Sochi-hosted meeting between Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents, the tone of Baku and Moscow –issued statements being rather restrained. "We have to wait until August 12 for the meeting between Russian and Armenian Presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Serzh Sargsyan at the CSTO summit to clarify the actual situation,” Trend News cited Vlasov as saying. However, the expert refused to give specific forecasts, comparing the course of the Armenian-Azerbaijani talks to the unstable and unpredictable state of the international markets. The meeting between Russian President and his Azerbaijani counterpart was held on August 9 in Sochi. As the Russian leader noted, Karabakh settlement was the main issue on agenda. “I’d like to have a sincere conversation to determine further steps, based on results of trilateral meeting in Kazan, as well as previous talks,” Medvedev said. Azerbaijan President, in turn, thanked the Russian leader for efforts towards Karabakh conflict settlement and providing regional security. “Previous talks on Karabakh considerably approximated the conflicting sides’ positions. Azerbaijan takes major interest in conflict settlement,” Aliyev said. The Russian leader is expected to meet Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on the sidelines of August 12 informal OSCE summit. During the June 24 meeting in Kazan, the Presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia failed to sign an agreement on basic principles of Karabakh conflict settlement. As Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian noted later, despite the OSCE MG co-chairs’ efforts, Azerbaijan was not ready to accept the final version of basic principles, presenting ten new amendments at the last moment. On July 8, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov handed over a personal message and proposals of RF President Dmitry Medvedev to Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders, who have already offered replies. The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |