World Markets Research Centre
Global Insight
October 24, 2008
Russian Mediation Promises New Phase in Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Talks
by Natalia Leshchenko
A visit to the Armenian capital, Yerevan, by Russian President Dmitry
Medvedev has boosted prospects for reconciliation between Armenia and
Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. At the end of the
visit, President Medvedev announced the possibility of an imminent
meeting between the Armenian and Azeri leaders in the Russian capital
Moscow, with Russia’s mediation. There have also been positive remarks
in Azerbaijan about the possible summit, where Ilham Aliyev received a
renewed presidential mandate last Wednesday (15 October 2008) and can
now return to developing policies. The date for the meeting has not
been publicised yet; neither are the conditions of the settlement
currently on the table. Reports only state that the document envisages
self-determination for the province in question, a condition that
satisfies Armenia.
Significance:Russia is taking the lead in renewed diplomatic efforts
over settlement in the Caucasus, the need for which was heightened by
the conflict in Georgia in August 2008. While security is in the
interest of all, foreign powers–Russia and the United States in
particular–are competing to provide guidance in this settlement and
thereby to assure their influence in the region in the
future. (seeArmenia-Azerbaijan: 6 October 2008:).