Russian expert: Sochi statement shows readiness to keep up Karabakh talks

January 25, 2012 - 17:50 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Sochi statement of Armenian and Azerbaijan’s Presidents clearly conveys the sides’ readiness to continue Nagorno Karabakh talks, political analyst Andrei Areshev said.

“No connotation suggesting for a different solution to the issue was observed,” the expert said.

In an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net Areshev ruled out progress in the conflict settlement, unless the parties shift their stance on Karabakh status.

The expert also forecast for Russia to further play an active mediatory role in the negotiation process.

Dwelling on intensification of public relations between the two states, the political analyst welcomed the initiative, noting that no party should use those ties for propaganda.

Earlier, the head of the Center of Political Innovations of Azerbaijan Mubariz Ahmedoglu assessed the Sochi statement of Armenian and Azerbaijan’s Presidents as the first document allowing for not only peaceful resolution of Karabakh conflict.

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.