Iravunq: Prospects for operating Karabakh airport 'remain dim'  

Despite the repeated statements and comments promising real timeframes for the operation of the airport in the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) capital, the prospects for its re-opening remain dim amid reported disagreements between Russia and Azerbaijan.

In comments to the paper on Thursday, a spokesperson for the Nagorno-Karabakh president, Lusine Avanesyan, hesitated to predict any timeframes, refraining from further details.

"The timeframes are uncertain. That's all I can say for now," she was quoted as saying.

Citing a local government source, RIA Novosti reported back in November that the airport was set to resume its operation in early December as a flight platform for Russian military aircrafts.

Late in December, the paper sought comments from Vahram Poghosyan, a former spokesperson for the Nagorno-Karabakh president, who gave his assurances that the airport was "completely ready for regular operation" after demining activities.  "Discussions will still follow," he said, adding that they expect to finalize technicalities until early 2021.

The paper notes that the strategic facility was among the priorities of Russia, which sought to modernize the airport, lengthening particularly its runway (to facilitate the landing of the heavy military and civilian aircrafts). The paper also cites the November 9 Russia-brokered truce which contained a special provision on "unblocking all the regional economic and transport links ...".

"Informed sources" said that Russia is still awaiting the "finalization" of the trilateral deal. Azerbaijan reportedly preferred to give its consent despite the earlier disagreements. With the technical activities being almost complete, the only problem now deals with the runway which too, is said to be in a process of modernization to make the airport ready for future flights.