**The process of implementing the agreement reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the return of the occupied 4 villages of the Gazakh region and the delimitation of part of the border of the two countries running along these villages continues.** The implementation of the peace plan, which is accompanied by protests by revanchist and nationalist forces in Armenia, should end on May 15.
**British expert Thomas de Waal, commenting on the situation in the border zone in an interview with the Armenian service of Radio Liberty, said that these villages on all maps were indicated as part of Soviet Azerbaijan and undoubtedly belong to it.** The protests in Armenia are due to the fact that after the return of these villages, which have been empty for many years, the border will move closer to the Armenian villages, and the Armenians will find themselves close to Azerbaijani symbols.
“Armenians are also concerned about the issue of roads and other aspects. These are understandable concerns. But I believe Pashinyan is keen to see the bigger picture. The Armenian government claims to be looking at the situation more comprehensively, and from their point of view, demarcation is a very sensitive issue.
At the same time, the Russians continue to claim that they want to become mediators. Azerbaijanis continue to make claims against these villages and enclaves. Therefore, I believe that Pashinyan is saying that the process is better than its absence. His logic is: “We are returning these villages. Let’s take a break and see what happens next,” the expert emphasized.
Thomas de Waal noted that the Brussels and Washington processes have been suspended since last year; Azerbaijan and Armenia reached a final agreement through direct negotiations. According to him, a bilateral process is now underway, and “this is normal.”
“It’s better than nothing. The parties have made some progress. But this paints a gloomy picture for Armenia. The cards are truly in Azerbaijan’s hands. And I suppose that Armenia is sending another signal to its Western partners: “we are peace-loving, we make concessions, we are not the ones inciting aggression, we deserve your support.” Therefore, I think this is a very political message,” the British expert emphasized.
Thomas de Waal believes that Russia wants to be a participant in the process of delimitation and demarcation of borders. He quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s statement that “the best card is in Russia’s hands.” According to him, Russia “protects” Armenia’s borders with Iran and Turkey, and now wants to place its own border guards on the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
“I think that Armenia and Azerbaijan have something in common. Both do not want Russian border guards there. So, I repeat, I think that this gesture by Pashinyan, the return of these villages, should be considered as part of an attempt to push Russia back,” the expert concluded.
1 Comment
**The process of implementing the agreement reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the return of the occupied 4 villages of the Gazakh region and the delimitation of part of the border of the two countries running along these villages continues.** The implementation of the peace plan, which is accompanied by protests by revanchist and nationalist forces in Armenia, should end on May 15.
**British expert Thomas de Waal, commenting on the situation in the border zone in an interview with the Armenian service of Radio Liberty, said that these villages on all maps were indicated as part of Soviet Azerbaijan and undoubtedly belong to it.** The protests in Armenia are due to the fact that after the return of these villages, which have been empty for many years, the border will move closer to the Armenian villages, and the Armenians will find themselves close to Azerbaijani symbols.
“Armenians are also concerned about the issue of roads and other aspects. These are understandable concerns. But I believe Pashinyan is keen to see the bigger picture. The Armenian government claims to be looking at the situation more comprehensively, and from their point of view, demarcation is a very sensitive issue.
At the same time, the Russians continue to claim that they want to become mediators. Azerbaijanis continue to make claims against these villages and enclaves. Therefore, I believe that Pashinyan is saying that the process is better than its absence. His logic is: “We are returning these villages. Let’s take a break and see what happens next,” the expert emphasized.
Thomas de Waal noted that the Brussels and Washington processes have been suspended since last year; Azerbaijan and Armenia reached a final agreement through direct negotiations. According to him, a bilateral process is now underway, and “this is normal.”
“It’s better than nothing. The parties have made some progress. But this paints a gloomy picture for Armenia. The cards are truly in Azerbaijan’s hands. And I suppose that Armenia is sending another signal to its Western partners: “we are peace-loving, we make concessions, we are not the ones inciting aggression, we deserve your support.” Therefore, I think this is a very political message,” the British expert emphasized.
Thomas de Waal believes that Russia wants to be a participant in the process of delimitation and demarcation of borders. He quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s statement that “the best card is in Russia’s hands.” According to him, Russia “protects” Armenia’s borders with Iran and Turkey, and now wants to place its own border guards on the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
“I think that Armenia and Azerbaijan have something in common. Both do not want Russian border guards there. So, I repeat, I think that this gesture by Pashinyan, the return of these villages, should be considered as part of an attempt to push Russia back,” the expert concluded.