Azerbaijan–Armenia border talks that have produced a draft text on delimitation are “very important”, an ex-diplomat and international energy leader has said, urging leaders to resist ultranationalist pressure and negotiate fairly.
Mehmet Öğütçü, Chairman of the London Energy Club, a private forum for diplomats and industry leaders, told AnewZ’s Bakhtiyar Hasanov that while significant challenges remain, progress made at Wednesday’s (29 April) commission meeting was a step in the right direction.
“Small steps like this are very encouraging and inspiring. [...] Sovereign and internationally recognised borders are critical for any breakthrough between Azerbaijan and Armenia. So far, these issues were discussed at international tables mediated by external powers, but now we see Azerbaijani and Armenian delegations sitting together and discussing and more or less agreeing on issues directly.
“In both countries, some groups may feel concessions are being made. But negotiations must be give-and-take, otherwise they won’t be sustainable. Leaders need to resist pressure, particularly from ultranationalist elements, especially strong on the Armenian side, where Nikol Pashinyan faces domestic challenges.”
Following the 13th meeting of a commission set up to determine the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, held on Wednesday at the Armenian mountain resort of Aghveran, officials agreed on draft instructions governing the delimitation process.
Both sides will now submit the preliminary texts to their respective governments for approval.
Azerbaijan’s delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev, while the Armenian side was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan.
The meeting coincided with reports that Azerbaijan may suspend relations with the European Parliament, in response to what Baku views as the body’s biased stance towards the country.
Öğütçü said it was clear there were “anti-Azerbaijani and anti-Turkish forces” within the European Parliament, alongside more supportive member states.
The developments come after Azerbaijani news outlet Minval Politika reported that Luis Moreno Ocampo, former founding Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, had been recorded discussing ways to influence European policy towards Azerbaijan. The report alleged involvement by European political figures.
Öğütçü said the allegations should be thoroughly investigated.
“The truth tends to emerge over time, and if any wrongdoing is proven, it would damage institutional credibility. However, it is important not to make accusations without solid evidence,” he said.
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