Nagorno-Karabakh independent subject – Russian analyst

Nagorno-Karabakh is not and can never be part of Azerbaijan, a Russian political analyst has said, commenting on the recent statement by the Collective Security Treaty Organization’s Secretary General referring to the country as a republic.

Speaking to Tert.am, Yevgeny Satanovsky, the president of the Moscow-based Institute of Middle East, described Nikolay Bordyuzha’s statement as inessential in terms of determining the status of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“Nagorno-Karabakh cannot definitely be part Azerbaijan. When Azerbaijan tried to undertake steps towards the contrary last April, we saw that it is really impossible. Karabakh cannot be part of Azerbaijan even if Turkey assists in the process. It is a fact which can either be accepted or not,” he noted.  

Admitting that the Nagorno-Karabakh is a sensitive topic for Azerbaijan, the expert meantime highlighted the government and public non-acceptance of the reality in that country.

“Karabakh is developing and making progress. I cannot say that everything possible is being done to strengthen Nagorno-Karabakh’s status, but the country is really developing. There are such phenomena as marriage and separation. So Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh have now separated with no further chances of unification. Karabakh is an independent subject regardless of whether or not it is recognized. As early as 25 years ago, no country recognized Bulgaria apart from Russia, and what of it? Karabakh has an economy and is prospering … So non-recognition doesn’t absolutely matter,” he added.