Epress.am News from Armenia
It’s possible to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through the involvement of neighboring countries. Azerbaijan should make sure that the political elite in those countries have an interest in resolving the conflict, said Associate Professor at the Faculty of International Relations at St. Petersburg State University Dr. Alexander Sotnichenko in an interview with 1news.az.
Dr. Sotnichenko was one of a handful of foreign guests invited to present a paper at the annual symposium of International Relations Scholars in Baku. This year’s theme was “The South Caucasus in a Changing World.”
According to him, Russia and the Russian elite have different perceptions.
“In Russia, the Armenian lobby is quite strong, and it’s necessary to neutralize its influence. For this purpose, Azerbaijan should organize similar events in Russia: conduct research, write books, organize conferences on the Karabakh issue — which the Armenian lobby does. Be sure to invite distinguished guests, renowned experts, propose to them different ways of cooperating, offer to Russia to hold discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, since Russia has good positions in both countries.
“It’s necessary to lean on Turkey’s mediation in this issue and explain to Russia the importance of the Turkish factor in settling regional issues. I believe that through cooperation we will resolve regional issues,” said Dr. Sotnichenko.