Regarding peacekeepers: 'Now Russia wants Azerbaijan...'

On October 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held a crucial meeting in Bishkek to discuss the ongoing situation surrounding Karabakh. Prior to the meeting, Yuri Ushakov, a Russian presidential aide, outlined the agenda, emphasizing the peaceful integration of Karabakh Armenians into the legal framework of Azerbaijan while ensuring the observance of internationally recognized rights and freedoms. Ushakov also noted that the Russian peacekeeping contingent was ready to contribute to this process.

During the meeting, President Putin underscored the paramount importance of addressing the situation in Karabakh, categorizing it as "the number one issue."

In recent days, President Aliyev had expressed his willingness to explore alternative negotiation platforms if official Yerevan rejected Russian mediation. He stated that direct talks between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan could be considered, provided they align with principles of justice and international law.

Elshad Mirbashiroglu, a member of the governing board of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) and a Member of Parliament, in an interview with Turan,  highlighted the Western attempts to influence Azerbaijani-Armenian relations according to their geopolitical interests. He suggested that the West seeks to leverage the situation to advance its ambitions in the South Caucasus region, potentially keeping certain issues unresolved. Mirbashiroglu implied that Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan's role might involve aligning processes with Western interests.

Deputy, echoing Putin's emphasis on the Karabakh issue, pointed out that Azerbaijan had liberated its territories from occupation, and Armenia had acknowledged the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. He noted that the next step should involve the signing of a peace treaty between the two countries. Regarding the future of the Russian peacekeepers, he indicated that discussions would take place between Russia and Azerbaijan to determine the appropriate course of action.

Notably, discussions about the future of Russian peacekeepers have surfaced in Azerbaijani media outlets with close ties to the authorities. Some observers even contemplate the potential expansion of the role of the Russian-Turkish monitoring center established in Aghdam three years ago.

Political commentator Vagif Hajibeyli  in an interview with Radio Azadlig, emphasized Russia's desire to maintain its troops in Azerbaijan under the guise of peacekeepers. He suggested that the matter is currently under negotiation between the two presidents. Hajibeyli indicated that Russia seeks legislative approval for its peacekeepers in Azerbaijan, although he argued that such a move was unnecessary and predicted a swift resolution.