Russian political analyst on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement through prism of Russia-Turkey rapprochement

Russian PM’s long-anticipated visit to Ankara was preceded by a similar official visit to Turkey by Russian President. Experts say the relations between the two countries have reached qualitatively new level. How do you assess the current bilateral relations between Moscow and Ankara?

Of course, these relations are developing at a fast pace. At present the sides are discussing a number of economic and bilateral issues. For example, the sides are negotiating to lift visa requirements. In principle, the visa requirements were purely symbolic previously. Russians only paid 20 dollars once they arrived in Turkey. It is believed that Turkey opted to build closer ties with Russia after it realized that it will not be admitted to the European Union any time soon…

Well, I do not think that Turkey no longer aspires to the EU. Keep in mind that Turkey is a country with enormous potential in almost all fields. Today rapprochement with Turkey meets Russia’s interests.

In your opinion, may Russia-Turkey rapprochement influence early resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

In my opinion, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has no solution in the foreseeable future because there is no solution formula that would suit both parties. What suits Baku does not suit Yerevan and vice versa. Talking about each of the two conflicting parties, I would like to note that relations between Moscow and Yerevan are strong enough. Russia and Armenia are partners and allies. This relationship has lasted long enough, and I think no major changes will take place in near future.

And what about the relations between Moscow and Baku? Do you agree that they have become even closer and stronger over the past years?

I would say that Russia's relations with Azerbaijan have always been at the highest level. The basis of the high level of bilateral relations was laid in Azerbaijan by Heydar Aliyev. Today this trend is continued by current President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

So, continuing the theme of Russian-Turkish rapprochement through the prism of effect on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, I hope very much that conflict will not go back to the phase of military hostilities. And if it happens, I hope that Russia will not be involved.

Currently, there have been wide discussions in Armenia over draft amendments to the laws "On Language" and "On Education", which involves opening foreign-language schools in the country. Such amendments have caused discontent with many among ordinary citizens, politicians and even officials. Azerbaijan, which has always had schools in foreign languages, in particular, in Russian, to put it mildly, is surprised at this reaction.

One should bear in mind that Armenia is a mono-ethnic state with Armenians making up 98 percent of the population. Perhaps, it is one of the most mono-ethnic states in the world. On one hand, such a reaction is understandable. There may be afraid of repeating the Soviet past, when the main language was Russian in all former Soviet republics and national language was of a secondary importance. However, this is the case with all empires.

This was normal for the USSR. In India, for example, since its colonization by Britain, education began to be carried out in English, and only poor people could not give their children an education in that language. However, national language should be principal in independent countries.

However, if a country wishes to develop, if it intends to further integrate into the global community, of course, it needs to provide education in other languages as well. There is nothing bad about it. There are only advantages. After all, the Armenian language is not an international language.


/Day.Az/