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BusinessWeek / Bloomberg
Aug 10 2014
Putin Pushes Talks Over Karabakh Amid Discord Near Russia
By Ilya Arkhipov
Talks between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan yielded nothing
after Russian President Vladimir Putin brokered their first meeting in
nine months following the deadliest clashes between the ex-Soviet
republics in 20 years.
The meeting between the Azeri and Armenian leaders, Ilham Aliyev and
Serzh Sargsyan, was "useful," with both presidents reaffirming their
commitment to "seeking a solution exclusively on the basis of a
peaceful approach," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told
reporters in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
Two days of talks at the Russian leader's retreat were marked by
another fatality on the frontlines of the disputed border region of
Nagorno-Karabakh, with an Azeri soldier killed last night by Armenian
fire, according to the Defense Ministry in Baku. That brought the
death toll to 24 since July 26.
Video: Donohue: Putin, Rebels Behind Ukraine Tragedy
The clashes are threatening to ignite another conflict on Russia's
doorstep as the worst geopolitical standoff since the Cold War
continues over Ukraine. The southern Caucasus countries, which border
Turkey and Iran, signed a cease-fire brokered by Russia in 1994 after
more than 30,000 people were killed and over a 1.2 million displaced.
Armenians took over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts
from Azerbaijan in a war after the Soviet breakup in 1991. The truce
left 20,000 Armenian and Azeri troops, dug into World War I-style
trenches sometimes only 100 meters (330 feet) apart, according to the
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
'Soviet Legacy'
The conflict is part of the region's "Soviet legacy," Putin said as he
opened negotiations today. "We must show patience, wisdom and respect
for each other to find a solution."
Video: Russia Accuses Ukraine of Shelling
The Azeri and Armenian leaders traded accusations in Putin's presence
today, blaming each other for violating international agreements on
Karabakh. Still, both presidents said they support a peaceful solution
to the conflict and praised Putin for his mediation efforts.
"Any conflict can be solved if there is good will," Putin said. "I
think there is such a good will from Azerbaijan's people and from the
Armenian people."
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-08-10/putin-pushes-talks-over-karabakh-amid-discord-near-russia
Aug 10 2014
Putin Pushes Talks Over Karabakh Amid Discord Near Russia
By Ilya Arkhipov
Talks between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan yielded nothing
after Russian President Vladimir Putin brokered their first meeting in
nine months following the deadliest clashes between the ex-Soviet
republics in 20 years.
The meeting between the Azeri and Armenian leaders, Ilham Aliyev and
Serzh Sargsyan, was "useful," with both presidents reaffirming their
commitment to "seeking a solution exclusively on the basis of a
peaceful approach," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told
reporters in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
Two days of talks at the Russian leader's retreat were marked by
another fatality on the frontlines of the disputed border region of
Nagorno-Karabakh, with an Azeri soldier killed last night by Armenian
fire, according to the Defense Ministry in Baku. That brought the
death toll to 24 since July 26.
Video: Donohue: Putin, Rebels Behind Ukraine Tragedy
The clashes are threatening to ignite another conflict on Russia's
doorstep as the worst geopolitical standoff since the Cold War
continues over Ukraine. The southern Caucasus countries, which border
Turkey and Iran, signed a cease-fire brokered by Russia in 1994 after
more than 30,000 people were killed and over a 1.2 million displaced.
Armenians took over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts
from Azerbaijan in a war after the Soviet breakup in 1991. The truce
left 20,000 Armenian and Azeri troops, dug into World War I-style
trenches sometimes only 100 meters (330 feet) apart, according to the
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
'Soviet Legacy'
The conflict is part of the region's "Soviet legacy," Putin said as he
opened negotiations today. "We must show patience, wisdom and respect
for each other to find a solution."
Video: Russia Accuses Ukraine of Shelling
The Azeri and Armenian leaders traded accusations in Putin's presence
today, blaming each other for violating international agreements on
Karabakh. Still, both presidents said they support a peaceful solution
to the conflict and praised Putin for his mediation efforts.
"Any conflict can be solved if there is good will," Putin said. "I
think there is such a good will from Azerbaijan's people and from the
Armenian people."
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-08-10/putin-pushes-talks-over-karabakh-amid-discord-near-russia