Moscow recognises Vardanian as its own man, and hopes to use him in future

Baku/28.02.23/Turan: Deputy director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Alexander Skakov commented on Ruben Vardanyan's resignation: "This is an extra factor weakening the position of Karabakh. We had pinned quite serious hopes on Vardanyan in this connection, and it is rather sad that it has happened".

Skakov voiced view that Vardanyan may have prospects in Karabakh. "If (Karabakh, -ed.) manages to get out of the current state of crisis, then I think that Vardanyan has some prospects," he said.

Moscow considers Vardanyan's potential to become a political figure in Armenia. However, Skakov added that Vardanian needs to create his own political force, a party, in Armenia in order to do so.

Skakov expressed his doubt that Baku will "unblock the Lachin corridor" after Vardanyan's departure.

Commenting on the difficult negotiations between Baku and Yerevan, Skakov is inclined towards the only document on the negotiation table, "which so far suits Azerbaijan and probably suits someone in Armenia too - this draft does not include Artsakh as a fact. In other words, it is a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which involves Armenia's recognition of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and the total absence of any reference to Karabakh or any responsibility for it," he said.-0-