Markedonov: Border delimitation and demarcation are not identical with the complete settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
Referring to the process of regulating Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, Russian political scientist Sergey Markedonov wrote that on Aug. 30, the representatives of Baku and Yerevan signed the “Regulations on the Joint Activities of Delimitation Commissions”.
The parties announced that they were starting to conduct so-called “domestic procedures”.
“What does this mean? First, the institutions of the two countries should check the compliance of the existing regulations with their constitutional legislation. However, other circumstances attract attention. Let’s pay attention to the dates. On Aug. 30, the regulations of the border delimitation commissions of the two countries were signed. But on the same day, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev again raised the issue of the need to amend the Constitution of Armenia, because, in his opinion, the constitution of the neighboring country still contains territorial claims against his state. Aliyev especially emphasized that otherwise, the Caucasus will not witness lasting peace. The leader of Azerbaijan voiced other complaints against Yerevan as well, namely the purchase of French weapons, military drills with third countries on Armenian soil, etc.,” Markedonov said.
He noted that on Sept. 4-5, information appeared in the Azerbaijani media and social networks about alleged shootings by the Armenian side, as well as harsh criticism against France for its calls to refrain from visiting Azerbaijan. The Armenian side denied its involvement in the armed incidents.
“What conclusions can we draw from this rather contradictory information? Border delimitation and demarcation are not identical with the complete settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. Besides interstate borders, identity issues are no less important. It is necessary to clearly distinguish such concepts as the conclusion of a document on peace and a state of peace, as, for example, the absence of war and the transition to a new agenda of bilateral relations,” the expert concluded.
