Expert: Armenia's refusal to resolve the conflict in Karabakh irritates Moscow

"The statement of the Armenian Foreign Minister on the impossibility of implementing the principles of the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, that were laid down in April 2019 and signed by all parties, speaks only of one thing – the inadequacy of the Armenian side." Deputy director of the Russian Institute for Political Studies, Russian expert Daria Grevtsova, told the Russian Bureau of Report.

"It is impossible not to fulfill what has already been signed. This is an undiplomatic departure from pre-agreed agreements. But the populist slogans of Armenian politicians are now more important than the economic well - being of citizens," the Russian expert said.

"We understand that these principles say that in exchange for the liberation of several areas around Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia will face economic blockade, which is very important now. Since we know the dire economic situation in this country. However, the authorities decided differently and there are several points on this score. First, as we can see, the situation with the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is important for Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry and Sergey Lavrov are interested in resolving the conflict as soon as possible, but they cannot change the obstinacy of the Armenian side

Secondly, it is not necessary to take all the statements seriously. There is an assumption that following the statements of the Armenian Foreign Minister, others will soon follow, almost directly opposite. As now Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, after the so-called "elections" in Nagorno-Karabakh, can rely on his people and present his desire to compromise with Azerbaijan not as his will, but as a policy initiated by the Armenian community of Nagorno-Karabakh. Nikol Pashinyan wants to shift the responsibility from himself to the impoverished population of Nagorno-Karabakh. Since he is afraid to become the initiator, the Armenian radicals will stage a new revolution or even kill him. Therefore, there is reason to assume that he will wait until the statement about the need for the economic blockade and economic revival come from Karabakh. For this purpose, compromises should arise regarding the areas around Nagorno-Karabakh."

According to her, Yerevan pays attention to the issue of security, not just the economy, by its behavior.

"Pressure on Yerevan from the members of the OSCE Minsk group can be exerted since everyone understands that Armenia's refusal to resolve the conflict in stages opens the way for the resumption of hostilities. If there is no progress in the peaceful settlement of any conflict, then there is a possibility for a new military outbreak, which is very dangerous and disturbing. Armenia's refusal is irritating from Moscow, and we can expect more pressure. Even more, discontent is ignited by the fact that the Russian authorities are very suspicious of Nikol Pashinyan, considering him an American agent. All this significantly strengthens Azerbaijan's position in the eyes of both the OSCE Minsk Group and the international community."