Garabagh settlement up to Russia, US analyst says
Settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Upper (Nagorno)
Garabagh conflict depends upon Russia, an influential US analyst
has said.
Frederick Starr, the director of the John Hopkins University Central Asia and Caucasus Institute, told Azerbaijan`s Russian-language news website, 1news.az, that the long-lasting dispute flared up and still lingers on due to Russia. According to Starr, without Russia`s support Armenians would not have been able to maintain their positions in Upper Garabagh.
"The occupation of Azerbaijani territories has not benefited Armenia. Time has shown that Armenians have turned into hostages of the conflict. This is the main cause hampering the development of the Armenian economy and society."
The two countries fought a lengthy war that ended with the signing of a cease-fire in 1994, though Armenia continues to occupy Upper Garabagh and seven other Azerbaijani districts in defiance of international law.
Regarding the new US administration`s stance on the Garabagh settlement, Starr said Washington is exploring ways of striking a common ground with Moscow on the issue. "But this is impossible. When the White House realizes that its hopes have been shattered, it will more seriously address the Garabagh conflict. The Obama administration is not ready to directly influence the Armenians, i.e. to state `put an end to the conflict, free Garabagh.` But, sooner or later, this has to be done."
Touching on Vice President Joe Biden`s visit to the Caucasus region, the analyst said this indicates that the US has no intention to withdraw from the region.
Frederick Starr, the director of the John Hopkins University Central Asia and Caucasus Institute, told Azerbaijan`s Russian-language news website, 1news.az, that the long-lasting dispute flared up and still lingers on due to Russia. According to Starr, without Russia`s support Armenians would not have been able to maintain their positions in Upper Garabagh.
"The occupation of Azerbaijani territories has not benefited Armenia. Time has shown that Armenians have turned into hostages of the conflict. This is the main cause hampering the development of the Armenian economy and society."
The two countries fought a lengthy war that ended with the signing of a cease-fire in 1994, though Armenia continues to occupy Upper Garabagh and seven other Azerbaijani districts in defiance of international law.
Regarding the new US administration`s stance on the Garabagh settlement, Starr said Washington is exploring ways of striking a common ground with Moscow on the issue. "But this is impossible. When the White House realizes that its hopes have been shattered, it will more seriously address the Garabagh conflict. The Obama administration is not ready to directly influence the Armenians, i.e. to state `put an end to the conflict, free Garabagh.` But, sooner or later, this has to be done."
Touching on Vice President Joe Biden`s visit to the Caucasus region, the analyst said this indicates that the US has no intention to withdraw from the region.
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