Iran and Russia on Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Iran and Russia on Nagorno Karabakh Conflict

by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org – Home – Stephen Lendman)

Efforts by Russia and other OSCE Minsk Group countries to end conflict in Nagorno Karabakh (NK below) failed so far.

Iran seeks an end to fighting because Armenia and Azerbaijan border its territory.

Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif and Deputy Foreign Minister Araqchi are involved in trying to halt fighting.

Last week, Araqchi led an Iranian diplomatic mission to Yerevan and Baku to present his government’s initiative to end conflict between warring sides.

“In several stages, this plan can lead the situation to a lasting peace and end the existing conflict and, of course, the occupation of the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” he said.

Foreign Minister Zarif stressed that “regional countries bear the brunt of this war…”

“(T)hese…countries can be most influential in ending the war in the region,” adding:

“Accordingly, we held consultations to achieve that goal without trying to rival other mechanisms such as the (presented by the) Minsk (Group).”

“Among the key points of our country’s initiative is that it does not concern a ceasefire only.”

“Rather, the plan is aimed at settling the conflict within a framework which becomes effective when both sides undertake to remain committed to a series of principles and remains in effect as more measures are adopted, including the withdrawal of occupying forces from all occupied areas.”

“(W)e reminded officials of the Azerbaijan Republic and Armenia as well as Russia and Turkey that Iran will not tolerate” endless conflict that risks spilling cross-border into its territory.

Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said Moscow is “looking carefully” at Iran’s proposal.

On Tuesday, Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed support for “liberat(ing) and return(ing) to Azerbaijan…territories…occupied by Armenia…”

At the same time, he said Armenians have the right to security in the region.

In response to his remarks and Iranian conflict resolution efforts, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said the following:

“We highly value the efforts of the friendly Iranian state to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, including the visit of the Special Envoy of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to the region and the initiative on the settlement of the conflict as soon as possible,” adding:

“We believe that the relations between our countries, built on historical roots, will continue to develop successfully and will serve to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.”

On Tuesday, Sergey Lavrov expressed concern for continuing hostilities between nations “friendly to Russia,” adding:

“(I)t is our deep conviction (that conflict) should have long been resolved exclusively by political and diplomatic means.” 

“Given that Russia is connected with Azerbaijan and Armenia by a shared history, culture, advanced humanitarian and economic ties, it would be highly inappropriate, on our part, to resort to methods such as diktat, coercion, or pressure.”

As chief conflict resolution mediator, Russia continues pursuing ways to end fighting.

Moscow is also concerned about “involvement of militants from the Middle East,” said Lavrov — referring to Turkish supplied jihadists to aid Baku’s war effort on the ground.

Moscow believes around 2,000 imported mercenaries are involved in fighting.

By phone with Turkey’s Erdogan, Vladimir Putin raised this issue.

Conflict resolution requires an “effective verification mechanism,” Lavrov explained.

Work to get both sides to agree continues. Russia remains open to different diplomatic and political options.

It rejects a military solution that would greatly risk renewed conflict at a later time.

While Azeri forces gained control over parts NK, fighting elsewhere in the enclave is largely stalemated. 

So far, diplomatic efforts by Russia, other Minsk Group countries and Iran failed to end fighting — now in its sixth week.

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