Expert advises not to overrate Moscow’s influence on Karabakh conflict sides

PanARMENIAN.Net - The outcome of presidential elections in Russia in 2012 will not be critical for Moscow’s efforts aimed at Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, according to Mikhail Remizov , Director of the Institute of National Strategy.

“I would not overrate Moscow’s influence on the parties to the Karabakh conflict, as the main problem is lack of at least one rough compromise model of the resolution,” said Remizov.

“Additional stimulus on the part of mediators would have sense only in case if such a model was put on the table of negotiations, but I think they do not have it, since the positions of sides are mutually exclusive,” the political analyst said. “In this context the mediation cannot be efficient, except as prevention of the conflict escalation, but not in terms of reaching agreements.”

“I do not see perspectives for Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement in near future,” he said.

However, according to Remizov, Moscow will continue efforts on reconciliation of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“This does not depend on domestic situation in Russia, including impeding presidential elections. Maybe Medvedev is interested in recognition of his role as a mediator and peace keeper in the eyes of international community but his presidency is not a critical factor for continuation of Moscow’s efforts,” he said, Trend reports.

Last week Lavrov personally conveyed the presidential message to Serzh Sargsyan and Ilham Aliyev after the Kazan talks ended without result due to reservations Azerbaijan wanted to include in the basic principles.