Traditional normalization format, when Russia acts as mediator, logically suggests itself – Artur Atayev on Putin-Aliyev meeting

Speaking with Alpha News, Russian political scientist Artur Atayev commented on talks between the presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan, Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev.

According to the expert, the traditional format of Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization, when Russia acts as a mediator, logically suggests itself.

“This is a logical continuation of the policy that corresponds to Putin-Aliyev relations. They are quite old. This is not a working trip. This is a state visit, within the framework of which the status of this event has noticeably increased. This is such obvious evidence of the goodwill of the two states represented by the heads of state.

The second thing I would like to note is the obvious stalling of peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The mission of the European Union and a number of countries does not produce the effect that both sides want. Therefore, the traditional normalization format, when Russia and its president act as mediators, logically suggests itself—to avoid escalation or delay in signing a peace agreement. The state visit of the President of Russia is a manifestation of this.

The next component—maybe it is even the first component—is not Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization but economic cooperation. Now, under the sanctions, states such as Azerbaijan are becoming more important for Russia in terms of economic cooperation,” Atayev said.

“We have built up Russia’s mediation role. Three heads, three presidents sit down and frankly negotiate. There are probably no other formulas right now. Russia’s mediation mission has not gone away. Whether someone wants it or not, it will always be there. Another matter is how the sides will use this mediation. That’s another question,” Atayev concluded.