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Thomas de Waal sees no objective preconditions for Nagorno Karabakh
peace process progress
Monday 8 September 2014 16:48
Photo: Photolure
Thomas de Waal
Yerevan /Mediamax/. British analyst, senior associate at the Carnegie
Endowment Thomas de Waal presently sees no objective preconditions for
achieving progress in the peace process of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
As Mediamax reports, during discussions on "Developments over Karabakh
Conflict and Possible Prospects" topic in Yerevan today the expert
stressed that over the past 20 years much has changed in
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peace process, however, the main issue,
which is the settlement of the conflict, remains unsolved.
"Despite the formal meetings of the Presidents, the parties do not
discuss truly important and strategic issues. Whether a framework
agreement will be signed and whether it will be carried out based on
Madrid principles or not still remains a philosophic issue. I see no
real discussion and dialog between the Armenian and Azerbaijani
Presidents or the societies of the two countries. There is rhetoric
and propaganda but there is no any discussion of strategically
important issues - on compromises", Thomas de Waal said.
The expert believes that Armenia and Azerbaijan are mutually
interested in working on their common future. "What matters for
Azerbaijan more is to get rid of the influences of Iran and Russia,
while in case of Armenia the opening of borders and economic
development bear strategic importance. The solution of these tasks
depends on the mutually beneficial settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict, which is unreal in current situation", the expert stressed.
Thomas de Waal is convinced that the crisis in Ukraine has also had
its negative impact on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, in particular, on
the exacerbation of the situation on the contact line.
"The crisis in Ukraine created a downbeat backdrop. Instead of
resolving the conflicts, new ones emerge and we see that the level of
cynicism and mistrust has increased between the sides", he added.
The expert urged the parties to establish new communication contacts
and to encourage people's diplomacy.
"Along with formal negotiations, people's diplomacy should be
encouraged. Besides that, it is desirable that the Presidents appoint
special advisors on Karabakh. New channels and platforms should be
created for the leaders and societies to communicate and build trust.
The parties should have better comprehension of one another's
positions", Thomas de Waal noted.
"The real peace process is very complicated and risky for the
Presidents of both countries. They do not feel any external support.
And under such circumstances, the Presidents will not take any risky
steps. External incentives are required, however, as of now, they are
only negative", the expert summed up.
http://www.mediamax.am/en/news/society/11532/
peace process progress
Monday 8 September 2014 16:48
Photo: Photolure
Thomas de Waal
Yerevan /Mediamax/. British analyst, senior associate at the Carnegie
Endowment Thomas de Waal presently sees no objective preconditions for
achieving progress in the peace process of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
As Mediamax reports, during discussions on "Developments over Karabakh
Conflict and Possible Prospects" topic in Yerevan today the expert
stressed that over the past 20 years much has changed in
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peace process, however, the main issue,
which is the settlement of the conflict, remains unsolved.
"Despite the formal meetings of the Presidents, the parties do not
discuss truly important and strategic issues. Whether a framework
agreement will be signed and whether it will be carried out based on
Madrid principles or not still remains a philosophic issue. I see no
real discussion and dialog between the Armenian and Azerbaijani
Presidents or the societies of the two countries. There is rhetoric
and propaganda but there is no any discussion of strategically
important issues - on compromises", Thomas de Waal said.
The expert believes that Armenia and Azerbaijan are mutually
interested in working on their common future. "What matters for
Azerbaijan more is to get rid of the influences of Iran and Russia,
while in case of Armenia the opening of borders and economic
development bear strategic importance. The solution of these tasks
depends on the mutually beneficial settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict, which is unreal in current situation", the expert stressed.
Thomas de Waal is convinced that the crisis in Ukraine has also had
its negative impact on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, in particular, on
the exacerbation of the situation on the contact line.
"The crisis in Ukraine created a downbeat backdrop. Instead of
resolving the conflicts, new ones emerge and we see that the level of
cynicism and mistrust has increased between the sides", he added.
The expert urged the parties to establish new communication contacts
and to encourage people's diplomacy.
"Along with formal negotiations, people's diplomacy should be
encouraged. Besides that, it is desirable that the Presidents appoint
special advisors on Karabakh. New channels and platforms should be
created for the leaders and societies to communicate and build trust.
The parties should have better comprehension of one another's
positions", Thomas de Waal noted.
"The real peace process is very complicated and risky for the
Presidents of both countries. They do not feel any external support.
And under such circumstances, the Presidents will not take any risky
steps. External incentives are required, however, as of now, they are
only negative", the expert summed up.
http://www.mediamax.am/en/news/society/11532/