Azerbaijan’s leader hardly expected to give up policy to disrupt negotiations – Ruben Safrastyan
Ruben Safrastyan, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies, commented in the Armenian-Azerbaijani presidential meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Monday.
According to him, it was a very small step in the right direction. Although the exact number of observers and financing is not known yet, more specific steps should be expected.
In any case, Azerbaijan is unpredictable.
“Azerbaijan is sparing no effort to exercise influence on the peace process. We can hardly hope Aliyev will not continue its policy to disrupt the negotiations,” Mr Safrastyan said.
As regards Russia’s factor, Russia is obviously seeking to undertake the initiative in the peace process.
As regards Azerbaijan’s involvement in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), Mr Safrastyan said that despite Russia’s efforts Azerbaijan will not agree as it implies restrictions on the use of oil and gas incomes.