Where are the separatist leaders hiding?

Baku/02.10.23/Turan:  Recent reports from Armenian media have stirred up speculation regarding the whereabouts of three former leaders of the separatist regime in Karabakh: Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Araik Harutyunyan. According to Armenian information portal "Tert," these trinity allegedly arrived in Armenia on October 1. However, conflicting reports now suggest that these individuals may still be hiding within the turbulent region of Karabakh.

The last leader of the former separatist regime,  Samvel Shahramanyan, has expressed his intent to remain in Karabakh until the search for the remains of the dead and missing is completed, indicating a commitment to resolving the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Political commentator Elkhan Shahinoglu has weighed in on this enigmatic situation during his program, "Difficult Question." Shahinoglu has offered two possible scenarios for the trio's departure from Karabakh: either by land or by Russian helicopters.

Shahinoglu dismisses the notion that they left by land, deeming it too risky, as the risk of immediate arrest looms large. Numerous others who attempted such an escape have met this fate, including Ruben Vartanyan. He suggests an alternative possibility that these individuals, familiar with the terrain of Karabakh, might have navigated through forest paths. However, even this option is fraught with difficulties.

The second and perhaps more plausible option, in Shahinoglu's estimation, is their escape via Russian helicopters. Yet, he raises a pertinent question: If Russia was willing to facilitate the escape of these separatist leaders, why did it not extend a similar opportunity to Ruben Vartanyan, who is arguably closer to Moscow's interests as a former Russian citizen with Kremlin connections?

Shahinoglu arrives at a disconcerting conclusion: Russia may have turned its back on Ruben Vartanyan, leaving him without assistance. However, he posits that this refusal should not necessarily be seen as an indicator of Russia's stance on Araik Harutyunyan and his companions.

Russia's strategic considerations likely come into play, as their involvement in aiding the escape of this trio could significantly strain its relations with Azerbaijan, which seeks to maintain stability in the region. In light of this, Shahinoglu contends that Russia may be treading carefully, especially given its current emphasis on increasing pressure on the Armenian government.

The mystery surrounding Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Araik Harutyunyan deepens, leaving observers to ponder whether they are still concealed within the confines of the region. The unfolding situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics that continue to shape the South Caucasus.