Regional Studies Center director commented on recent Sochi-hosted meeting on the Nagorno Karabakh settlement between Armenian, Russian, and Azerbaijani Presidents.

“Recent presidential meeting being the last one mediated by Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev, in view of Putin’s possible accession to presidency, the situation is expected to change. I believe, with Putin’s more drastic position on the issue, the latter won’t have patience for lengthy talks, eventually pressuring the parties into a consensus,” Richard Giragosian told a news conference in Yerevan.

The expert further noted significant downscale in Azeri military rhetoric, characterizing Baku threats as those of a weak player. “Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s statement suggesting Russia’s disappointment in Baku policy comes as a proof of weakening Azeri position,” the expert concluded.

At January 23 trilateral presidential meeting in Sochi Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan stressed the need to refrain from extreme measures, calling for continuation of approximating positions.

“Considering the importance of shifting to development of peace agreement, Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan expressed readiness to expedite an agreement on Basic principles,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, adding that heads of the two states had requested Russia to mediate humanitarian ties between the two countries.