Karabakh peace talks would see high progress 'if not the power transition in Armenia' – Russian expert

The long-lasting process of reaching a breakthrough over Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) could have finally seen a serious progress in the past months if not the power transition in Armenia, according to Alexander Dugin, a Russian public figure who currently heads the Eurasian Movement.

In an interview with Caucasus.artinews.ru, the analyst said that he expects the current authorities to follow the policy line adopted by former president Serzh Sargsyan and his government (based on the principles agreed with the OSCE Minsk Group). He noted that the arrangements reached then implied the “return of the seven occupied regions” as an “urgent move” marking the start of a real conflict settlement process.

In his words, Armenia and Azerbaijan have already agreed on a “road map” paving way to future peace.

“Yes, Armenia remains Russia’s strategic ally; yet that doesn’t imply an manipulations by Yerevan against Moscow. The alliance with Russia must not be used against Azerbaijan. Russia will not play into the hands of Armenia to serve as an instrument targeting Baku,” he added.

Dugin also highlighted Russia’s developing strategic alliance with Azerbaijan, describing Nagorno-Karabakh as part of that country. “The Armenian-Russian relations have never been anti-Azerbaijani in essence. Moscow has always admitted that Nagorno-Karabakh belongs to Azerbaijan. We are developing an alliance with Armenia, but such a union is not certainly targeted against Azerbaijan. Russia's rapprochment with both Azerbaijan is in no way dependent upon [our] relationship with Armenia,” he added.

Commenting upon US National Security Advisor John Bolton's recent visit to the South Caucasus and his statements made especially in Yerevan, Dugin said he doesn't think that Washington is interested in a real peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. 

"To return to a constructive dialogue to settle the conflict, we need enagement by the countries incurring its direct influence. I mean particularly, Russia, Turkey, and Iran," he said, noting that the Azerbaijani population has been totally “expelled from Karabakh”.

 “That’s definitely unacceptable as we need to change the process by all means. But such a position is not directed against Armenia. The Armenian-Russian relations should not be considered in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”