Moscow calls on Baku and Yerevan to negotiate

The new outbreak of the military conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh has seriously concerned the whole world. Russia did not stand aside either. Armenia is a strategic partner and a state with which Russia has close political and economic relations. Armenia is a member of The Collective Security Treaty Organization (which also unites Russian, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan). A Russian military base is located in Armenia. At the same time, intensive ties are maintained between Moscow and Baku, including on the purchase of Russian weapons, writes Moscow correspondent Alex Ivanov. 

In this situation, Russia found itself in a difficult situation – to take a flexible but principled position. This is exactly what Moscow did, calling on both countries to abandon the logic of war and sit down at the negotiating table.

Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the president of the Russian Federation said to media: “The Kremlin primarily proceeds from the need for an early cease-fire and fighting. Any statements about military support or military activity definitely add fuel to the fire. We are categorically against this and do not agree with this statement of the issue. We call on everyone, all countries, especially our partners, such as Turkey, to do everything possible to convince the warring parties to cease fire and return to a peaceful settlement of this long-standing conflict by political and diplomatic means.”

Since the start of hostilities on 27 September, Moscow, Yerevan and Baku have maintained an active dialogue both at the highest level and through the ministries of foreign Affairs and other structures. At the same time, it is emphasized that the Russian side inclines both opposing sides to stop fighting and start a dialogue. However, the prospects for such a solution do not suit everyone. In particular, the Azerbaijani President has already stated that it is problematic to start negotiations because of Yerevan’s tough position on Nagorno-Karabakh.

Nevertheless, Moscow continues to try to reach a truce and stop unnecessary bloodshed.

It is noteworthy that the skirmishes that took place a few months ago on the border of Azerbaijan and Armenia provoked clashes and hostility between representatives of the national diasporas of the two countries living in Moscow. Armenians and Azerbaijanis are actively involved in the wholesale trade of vegetables and fruits in Moscow. The conflict on the border then provoked clashes between merchants of the two countries and attacks on shopping facilities, cafes and restaurants. Fruits from Armenia were boycotted in large wholesale markets, which are controlled mainly by people from Azerbaijan. The Russian authorities took a lot of effort to resolve this conflict. Given the current aggravation of the situation, Moscow is trying to prevent a repeat of these events. To avert inter-ethnic clashes, the Russian foreign and internal affairs ministries have already started the necessary contacts with the embassies of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Moscow.

It is also expected that President Putin may address Baku and Yerevan in the coming days and again urge the parties to sit down at the negotiating table.

Many analysts in Russia and Europe express the opinion that Moscow is “not very active” in connection with the aggravation of the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh. Many believed that Russia would take Armenia’s side in the conflict.

Nevertheless, it is already clear that Moscow is trying to maintain maximum impartiality for reconciliation of the parties. Let’s hope that this approach will bear fruit in the near future.