Radar Armenia‘s interlocutor is Shahan Gantaharyan, an international scholar.
– The representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that the dates of the possible placement of the CSTO mission in Armenia depend on Yerevan. What position should Armenia take on this matter?
– First of all, let’s note that a change in style and content can be seen in the announcements from Moscow. The critical section has given way, and the rhetoric emphasizes the axes of partnership. I’d appreciate it if you could clarify this particular statement for me. Suppose the territories invaded by Azerbaijan determine it. In that case, the Azerbaijani troops will return to the exit points, and CSTO troops will be stationed there, which is understandable. Such action will also include CSTO’s political assessment of Azerbaijan’s invasion. The problem is closely related to demarcation and delimitation. By and large, Moscow is taking practical steps to prevent the involvement of other international centers in peacekeeping missions or separation and division.
– In your opinion, will the presence of the CSTO mission deter Azerbaijan?
– The task here, in terms of deploying troops, concerns only the Armenian sector, and it may be possible to agree on it within the framework of the CSTO’s internal charter. Carrying out a peacekeeping mission in the intermediate area, the demilitarized zone, requires the parties’ agreement. And there must be such an agreement with Ankara. Moscow-Ankara relations have ups and downs in the South Caucasus and the Middle East. Remember that there is a conflict between guarantors and mediators in the region, and the processes cannot be decided unilaterally.
– What effect can the deployment of the CSTO mission have under the conditions of the already deployed EU observers? Will this not increase the tension between Russia and the West?
– Yes, it is not excluded. But it is also clear that problems of such magnitude cannot be decided unilaterally. Major players were actively involved in the process. It should be noted that Turkey’s dependence on the USA is deepening, especially after the earthquake. The delay will likely continue.
– At this stage, what is the significance of Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Turkey, and what can change in the region?
– That is precisely why Lavrov went to Ankara to reconfirm relations. By changing Ankara’s position, Washington can change the game rules in the region.
