‘RUSSIA’S ROLE CRITICAL IN KARABAKH PROCESS’

news.az
July 15 2011
Azerbaijan

‘Russia’s role is very crucial for the Nagorno Karabakh resolution.

There are number of issues that do not give right conditions for
Kazan. One was Medvedev and Putin. I don’t think that Putin will allow
Medvedev to make major diplomatic break-through under this leadership.

Secondly, is Russia really committed to resolution of the conflict?

Because this conflict gives Russia good lever one South Caucasus
doesn’t seem nearly seek full resolution,’ Brenda Shaffer, Professor of
Israel-based Haifa University and Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy said.

Touching on some analysts’ views that under the pressure of Moscow,
Armenia may withdraw its troops from some of the occupied territories
and Russian peacekeepers may be deployed there, Brenda Shaffer said:

‘And if it was offered it was not clever mark to accept it. Because
Russian troops in Azerbaijan would be the end of truth independence
of Azerbaijan. It will solve one, but start another problem.’

‘We also see Armenia has not been serious about concessions. Second
factor- Armenia-Turkish border to make very small concession and Turkey
would open the border. To accept this would be really smart strategic
move, but they did not do it. It was very advantage deal for them. It
shows {Armenians} really not ready to change the status quo.’