Armenian and Azerbaijani Expert Perspectives on Negotiations | Ep #107 - Dec 15, 2021

Armenian News Network - Groong: Week In Review Podcast

Anar Valiyev and Benyamin Poghosyan discuss stumbling blocks in post-war negotiations
Guests:

• Dr. Anar Valiyev, Associate Professor at Azerbaijani Diplomatic Academy (ADA) University in Baku.
• Dr. Benyamin Poghosyan, Chairman of Yerevan-based think tank Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies.

Topics:

• Artsakh Status (@4:54)
• Is the conflict really “solved” (@11:04)
• Opening of Communications (@38:52)
• Corridor for Corridor (@46:32)
• “Unimpeded” Access (@50:15)
• Russia’s regional role (@53:16)
• Turkey’s regional role (@58:48)
• 3+3 or 3+2 Format (@1:02:06)
• Recap (@1:26:59)

Description:
In this Conversations on Groong episode, we’ll be talking with two specialists from Armenia and from Azerbaijan, and explore their views and perspectives on the problems and solutions they envision for long-term peace between the neighbors.
Why is there a need to have such a discussion right now? The temperature of the post-war negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan has reached a boiling point, with Azerbaijan’s president Aliyev issuing ultimatums and demands for dates for Armenia to open “corridors” for Azerbaijan. In trying to create a more informed Armenian public about these negotiations, we hope that such discussions can clarify what the sides are saying to each other, and what the sides are hearing from each other.
Since the second war in Artsakh in 2020, also known as the 44-Day war, which culminated in the signing of the November Agreement by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, the three countries have been negotiating the fulfillment of that agreement. The agreement contained 9 points, of which the first 5 are primarily complete, 6 and 7 are more or less in progress, but 8 and 9 continue to be deeply problematic despite intensive and contentious yearlong negotiations.
Point 8 is about the exchange of all prisoners of war (POWs). It should have been a simple and humanitarian exchange, but Azerbaijan had different ideas.
Point 9 is about opening communication and transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan and then more widely throughout the region. Negotiations have been complex and frustrations have caused flare ups that have killed dozens more Armenian soldiers and citizens since the war ended.
What are the perspectives and stumbling blocks that have prevented peace, a year after the war ended?
Hosts:

• Hovik Manucharyan TW/@HovikYerevan
• Asbed Bedrossian TW/@qubriq

Episode 107 | Recorded on Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

Capitole

1. Armenian and Azerbaijani Expert Perspectives on Negotiations | Ep #107 - Dec 15, 2021 (00:00:00)

2. Introduction (00:00:05)

3. Artsakh status (00:04:54)

4. Is the conflict really "solved" (00:11:04)

5. Opening of negotiations (00:38:52)

6. Corridor for corridor (00:46:32)

7. "Unimpeded" access (00:50:15)

8. Russia's regional role (00:53:16)

9. Turkey's regional role (00:58:48)

10. 3+3 or 3+2 format (01:02:06)

11. Demarcation and delimitation in context of “corridors” (01:05:55)

12. Shahumyan region (01:08:57)

13. Which maps to use for demarcation & delimitation (01:17:01)

14. Is Azerbaijani post-war rhetoric conducive for peace (01:18:14)

15. Recap (01:26:59)