Caucasus (bbabo.net), - Armenian publication "Hraparak" published an article "Between Moscow and Brussels Tbilisi?". It analyzes the current developments in the Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations on the normalization of relations in the context of the rivalry between Russia and the West for the right to be the main moderator in this process.
In recent days, in connection with the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, quite interesting information has appeared. First of all, from the statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, it became known that work on the text of the peace treaty continues, despite the closure of the Lachin corridor (since December 12 last year, Azerbaijan blocked this only road linking Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia - Ed.), Baku has received new proposals, and Yerevan is studying them. And then a statement was made about Armenia's readiness for a new trilateral Armenian-Russian-Azerbaijani meeting at the level of the heads of foreign affairs agencies. Baku reacted to this with criticism, saying that Yerevan failed such a meeting (in December last year - Ed.). To this, Yerevan replied: the reason was the blocking of the Lachin road. Then there were reports that French gendarmes would enter the regions of Armenia bordering with Azerbaijan as part of the EU observer mission.
These are, of course, very remarkable facts. And it is no coincidence that Moscow unofficially sent one of its “mouthpieces” to Yerevan, political scientist Dmitry Suslov, in order to convey certain “messages” through the Public Television of Armenia. Later, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar said that Georgia could be the most convenient platform for normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He also noted that Tbilisi, where the meeting of the foreign ministers of these countries has already taken place, can again become such a place both for meetings of leaders and within the framework of another format.
“Georgia is very convenient geographically in this regard, it is possible to quickly and easily come here from neighboring countries,” Klaar emphasized.
The EU Special Representative considered it logical "that the three countries located in the South Caucasus should try to find an area of cooperation." According to him, "it is important that the role of Georgia be a bridge between Armenia and Azerbaijan." Klaar also noted that he discussed with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili Georgia's mediating role in relations between Baku and Yerevan.
Meanwhile, Moscow announced that the Mirzoyan-Lavrov-Bayramov meeting was being prepared and, judging by the statements of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, an attempt was being made to organize this meeting in such a way that it would be acceptable and politically and diplomatically comfortable for all parties.
Combining all the above facts into one whole, we can draw some rather interesting conclusions.
1. In spite of everything, there was no pause in the process of settling the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, which means that public rhetoric is one thing, and the real political and diplomatic process is another. That is, the statements made for the general public and the rhetoric contained in them, at least, are only to “feed” the internal audience, and no more.
2. The rivalry between Russia and the West for the laurels of the "peacemaker" of the South Caucasus continues. The West is trying to ensure a greater presence in our region, for its part, Russia seeks to maintain the role of "watcher" in the region. Such realities open up rather interesting opportunities for diplomatic maneuvering, but not for adventure, and Yerevan may be in an advantageous position if it acts thoughtfully.
3. Georgia has been legitimized as a regional executor or representative of the West's efforts to normalize Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.
4. Armenia continues to maneuver, but, by and large, remains in the positions where it was.
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