British expert Thomas De Waal on the situation around Karabakh in the program "Çətin sual"

Yesterday and today were rich in sensational statements. The day before, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made a statement at a press conference about the inappropriateness of holding CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) exercises on its territory.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also made equally important statements. In particular, he touched upon the topic of the action of civil society representatives on the Lachin-Khankendi road.

In an interview with local TV channels, he noted that the action will continue until the requirements for the admission of Baku representatives to gold mines and the cessation of illegal exploitation there are met.

“For those who want to live there (in Karabakh) under the flag of Azerbaijan, all conditions will be created. For those who do not want this, the road is open, they can leave,” Aliyev said.

What prompted Pashinyan to cancel the CSTO exercises in Armenia? Was it an emotional decision or is it such a strategy?

How feasible is Pashinyan’s idea to invite UN peacekeepers to Karabakh after the completion of the mission of the RPC (Russian peacekeeping contingent)?

British expert Thomas De Waal answers these and other questions in the “Difficult Question” program.

According to De Waal, Pashinyan's statement about the CSTO is his line in relation to this organization and Russia as a whole. This version is supported by his statement about the absence of prospects for Armenia's participation in the CSTO.

“It is no secret that earlier, before becoming prime minister, Pashinyan was one of the rare Armenian politicians who spoke out against Armenia's participation in the EurAsEC (Eurasian Economic Community). This means that this is a continuation of his personal policy towards Russia!

According to the expert, Russia is most likely a forced ally of Armenia and Pashinyan would like to have a wider range of international relations. “In this sense, he places great hopes on France, on European countries, on the United States. But of course, the real situation is different. Russia is the only country that ensures the security of Armenia and now the Karabakh Armenians.”

According to De Waal, the idea of bringing UN peacekeepers to Karabakh

is widely discussed by the expert community in the West. “There is an opinion that no peace in the short term between Azerbaijan and Armenia is possible. Everyone thinks that until the completion of the RPC mission in 2025, peace will not be achieved. Therefore, to avoid a new conflict, it is necessary to continue the peacekeeping mission in Karabakh. But no one is happy with Russia, especially after the war in Ukraine. Trust in Russia is very low both in Azerbaijan and Armenia. A little higher, perhaps in Karabakh itself, but I believe that even after the events of the last month (eco-activists), the level of trust in Karabakh (towards the Russians) is also decreasing,” the expert noted. –0--