Ararat Mirzoyan meets Sergey Lavrov in Moscow

On March 20, Ararat Mirzoyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, met with Sergey Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, in Moscow. The meeting started with tête-à-tête, then continued in an expanded format with the participation of two delegations.

Lavrov said the agenda of the meeting was full, and the whole range of bilateral relations was discussed, including joint cooperation within the framework of the CSTO military bloc, the EAEU economic union, the CIS, the UN and the OSCE. “We discussed regional and international issues and outlined the paths for our further strategic partnership and alliance,” Lavrov said. Mirzoyan said the meeting was held in a “confidential atmosphere”. He reiterated the importance of “issues related to security” in the South Caucasus.

On existing problems between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Lavrov stressed that the tripartite statements continue to be “the key to resolving” the situation in the region. According to him, they are the basis for the implementation of all decisions in the interests of ensuring the stabilization of the situation – in the military-political, international and legal spheres: “The Russian Federation is ready to assist in every possible way in resolving the existing problems between Armenia and Azerbaijan, both in unblocking transport routes and in concluding a peace treaty.”

Regarding the issues of security and rights of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, Lavrov said that he agrees with the position of the Prime Minister of Armenia – they should be resolved between the representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan: “Of course, we need to understand how high-quality these agreements will be. If you want to know my opinion, there are recent examples of history. The same was discussed in the Minsk Agreements about what rights the inhabitants of the eastern part of Ukraine should have. The right to their native language, the right to teach children in this language, to live and work using this language, to preserve their culture and religion, to have the opportunity for local self-government and to have some special ties with their compatriots. In the case of Donbas, it was Russia.”

Lavrov also accused the West of trying to end Russia’s close relationship with Armenia. “We see undisguised attempts by Western countries to estrange Armenia from Russia … undermine the regional security architecture while thinking and caring not about the interests of the countries located here but about their own vested geopolitical interests,” he told reporters after their talks in Moscow.

He also renewed Russian allegations that the Western powers are seeking to hijack Armenian-Azerbaijani agreements brokered by Moscow during and after the 2020 war in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Sources:

• Caucasus Watch, “Ararat Mirzoyan Meets Sergey Lavrov in Moscow“, https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/ararat-mirzoyan-meets-sergey-lavrov-in-moscow.html
• JAM News, “Mirzoyan-Lavrov meeting in Moscow“, https://jam-news.net/meeting-of-lavrov-and-mirzoya-in-moscow/
• Azatutyun.am, „West Accused Of Trying To Drive Wedge Between Russia, Armenia“, https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32326592.html

Azerbaijani armed forces push forward in Nagorno-Karabakh

On the evening of March 25, the Azerbaijani army had advanced in de facto Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry announced that its units had taken “necessary local control measures” to cut off a rough dirt road that passed slightly to the north of the main road connecting Karabakh to Armenia, known as the Lachin Corridor. The de facto local authorities confirmed the move in Karabakh and the Russian peacekeeping mission, which is supposed to provide security for the corridor.

The Russian Ministry of Defense called Azerbaijan to retreat to its original position. It stated in its press release that it was in negotiation with the Azerbaijani side on the matter. A statement from Russia’s Defense Ministry said that Azerbaijani units had “crossed the line of contact in the Shusha region, occupying a height marked at 2,054 meters altitude 2.9 kilometres northeast of Saribaba mountain and started engineering work on a post” there.

Baku, in turn, accused Russia of not preventing the transfer of Armenian military and arms to Karabakh. According to Azerbaijan’s position, the Lachin corridor, which connects Armenia and Karabakh and belongs to Azerbaijan according to international law, should have a border crossing point for both countries. The Armenian side, however, rejected this proposal, insisting on the exterritorial status of the Lachin corridor.

Later, the de facto authorities reported that Russian peacekeepers had “positioned themselves” at the same height the Azerbaijani forces had taken. They said the Russians were “controlling” the height and “negotiating with the Azerbaijani side to ensure their retreat.” There was no confirmation of that from either the Russian or Azerbaijani side.

The main Lachin road has been partly blocked for more than three months now due to the government-supported protests of Azerbaijani civil “activists”. Only the vehicles of the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent and the International Red Cross Committee are allowed to pass through. As a result, the de facto authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh have been using detour dirt roads.

As Eurasianet stressed, the traffic between Armenia and de facto Nagorno-Karabakh continues in a limited scope despite Azerbaijanis’ blockade. According to a report in the Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, the Russian peacekeepers have been running what appears to be a large-scale blockade-busting operation. According to the newspaper, Russian peacekeepers stationed in the Armenian city of Goris, near the start of the Lachin Corridor, can arrange passage to civilians through the blockade for prices up to $1,000 a person.

Food is also getting through, thanks to the Russian peacekeepers. The Novaya Gazeta report cited several sources matter-of-factly speaking about the scheme. “Food is being delivered, more or less,” one resident told the newspaper. “It’s just that the prices have skyrocketed because it’s very expensive to deliver stuff here. They have to pay several thousand dollars for every vehicle. Then suddenly, something new arrives in the shops, and we find out that the Russian peacekeepers are responsible for the delivery. They’re allowed to cross over. The “ecologists” let them through. So [the Russian peacekeepers] deliver food here in their cars. You know, those white trucks. Humanitarian aid? They probably do give out something for free as humanitarian aid, but most of it goes to the shops. Ask any vendor why it’s so expensive, and all of them will explain — because the peacekeepers ask for several thousand dollars for every vehicle.

Sources:

• KUCERA Joshua, Eurasianet.org, „Azerbaijani armed forces advance to close off Armenia-Karabakh road“, https://eurasianet.org/azerbaijani-armed-forces-advance-to-close-off-armenia-karabakh-road
• Caucasus Watch, “Azerbaijani Armed Forces Push Forward in Nagorno-Karabakh“, https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/azerbaijani-armed-forces-push-forward-in-nagorno-karabakh.html

New Abkhaz de facto leadership suggests détente with Tbilisi and passports for Georgians from the Gali district

Two high ranking officials of the new Abkhaz de facto government – the head of the region’s security council, Sergei Shamba and its de facto prime minister Alexander Ankvab – have recently suggested the development of trade relations and dialogue with Tbilisi. These statements, coupled with support for passportisation of ethnic Georgians living in the Gali district controlled by Abkhazian de facto authorities were met with harsh criticism from local opposition groups.

Sergei Shamba gave a lengthy interview to RFE/RL’s Russian-language Ekho Kavkaza on August 8 in which he claimed that the armed conflict with Tbilisi „is over“ and therefore, Sukhumi should think, how to build „friendly relations“ with Tbilisi.  Former Abkhazian prime minister and minister of foreign affairs specifically spoke of „legalising“ trade and preventing smuggling across the Enguri River, which divides this separatist region from Georgia proper. Shamba admitted that agreement with Georgia on trade is not realistic at the moment, as Tbilisi rejects sealing any deal with representatives of Sukhumi, but he added that the latter could still introduce customs control on such goods.

Regarding the sensitive issue of Abkhaz citizenship for ethnic Georgians living in Abkhazia’s easternmost district of Gali, Shamba stressed, that these people should not be alienated, especially „as they are mostly indigenous inhabitants of Abkhazia.“ Denying Abkhaz „passports‘ to Gali Georgians on the grounds of their holding of Georgian citizenship is „wrong“, taking into account the fact that Abkhaz enjoy having Russian passports even though Sokhumi and Moscow have not yet signed an agreement on dual citizenship, added the new head of the region’s security council.

In a similar sense continued Alexander Ankvab, Abkhazia’s de facto head of the government, in his interview with local media outlet Apsnypress on August 13.

Ankvab noted that it is „unfair „to deprive Gali Georgians their Abkhaz passports. On the other hand, de facto prime minister slammed a recent statement by Georgian Reconciliation Minister Paata Zakareishvili, who claimed that the new Abkhaz leadership is „less pro-Russian“ than the previous one. Ankvab called it „ridiculous.“ „There were no such leaders in the Abkhaz political space, and there are none. This fully applies to president Bzhania, Ankvab, Shamba, and Khajimba,“ he underscored.

These comments were however met with harsh criticism from local opposition groups. In its statement from August 17, „Aruaa“, an influential union of Abkhaz war veterans, said that Ankvabs statements regarding passportisation of the Gali district have bred resentment „among all patriotic forces of the country.“ Organisation also claimed that the de facto prime minister is neglecting the rights of other nationalities residing in Abkhazia while advocating exclusively for the rights of Georgian nationals. Aruaa reminded Ankvab that similar policies of „illegal“ issuance of Abkhaz „passports“ to Georgian citizens had led to his ousting from the office back in 2014, and threatened with protests.

Abkhaz political party „Apsny“ in its statement expressed concerns over Abkhaz leadership’s consideration of cooperation with Georgia, which due to the statement remains „in a state of war with us (Abkhaz)“.

In 2014, the Abkhaz Parliament annulled the previously-issued Abkhaz passports of the 27,000 inhabitants of Gali District, due to the dual-citizenship of its inhabitants (most of whom are ethnic Georgians) with Georgia, which is illegal under the laws of Abkhazia.

Sources:

• Civil.ge, Abkhaz Security Council Head Talks Gali Passportization, Dialogue, Trade with Tbilisi, https://civil.ge/archives/362113
• Ekho Kavkaza, Сергей Шамба: «Все время жить во вражде невозможно» (Sergey Shamba: „It’s impossible to live in enmity all the time“), https://www.ekhokavkaza.com/a/30772165.html
• Civil.ge, Abkhazia’s Ankvab: „Gali Georgians Are Our Citizens“, https://civil.ge/archives/362610
• JAMnews, Abkhaz opposition threatens protests if citizenship is restored to resident Georgians, https://jam-news.net/abkhazia-ankvab-georgians-citizenship/
• Civil.ge, Abkhaz Opposition Speaks against Detente with Tbilisi, Gali Passportization, https://civil.ge/archives/362800

 For additional information see:

• Eurasianet.org, Abkhazia Loses a Leader, But Keeps Its Problems, https://eurasianet.org/abkhazia-loses-a-leader-but-keeps-its-problems
• Civil.ge, Abkhazia’s Shamba Reiterates Calls for Dialogue with Tbilisi, https://civil.ge/archives/363138

German FM Annalena Baerbock visits Georgia

On March 23-24, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Georgia, where she met with her counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili and PM Gharibashvili.

According to Eurasianet.org, the visit came as worries grow both in Brussels and Tbilisi that the Georgian government may not be entirely serious about pursuing its declared goal of EU membership candidacy, particularly in the wake of the ruling party’s attempts to push through controversial “foreign agent” bills. “During my trip, I want to make it clear that Germany is fully committed to Georgia’s prospect of EU membership,” Baerbock said prior to her arrival. “We see the attempts to divert the country from the pro-European course that the overwhelming majority of Georgians want.”

Baerbock started her visit to Georgia by meeting with the civil society representatives, followed by a meeting with her Georgian counterpart FM Darchiashvili. At the press conference following the meeting, Georgian FM stressed that Baerbock’s visit demonstrates Germany’s particular interest in Georgia, as well as Germany’s firm support at this important time and against the background of regional security challenges. He also expressed gratitude for Germany’s support for Georgia’s EU integration, adding that the sides discussed the “historical importance of EU candidacy for Georgia” and “the steps taken by the Georgian government to fulfil 12 EU priorities.” He expressed the hope that “the progress will be properly assessed” and result in a historic decision. According to Darchiashvili, the sides discussed EU and NATO integration and regional security, including the situation in the occupied territories.

In her remarks to the press, Baerbock stressed the importance of meeting the 12 EU priorities for EU candidate status, with particular emphasis on issues such as the rule of law, freedom of speech, strong civil society and de-polarization.

President Zurabishvili discussed with the German Foreign Minister issues related to the European integration process of Georgia. As the President stated at the meeting held in the Orbeliani Palace, “the Georgian people will not understand a second rejection of the EU candidate status and will feel abandoned by Europe in such a difficult situation”. The President emphasized the importance of the visit of the Foreign Minister of Georgia’s partner country to express Germany’s continued support for Georgia’s independence and European integration.

For her part, Baerbock said she was in Tbilisi because she wanted to see Georgia and its people in the European Union. “That is why I am here, and that is what my government supports. “Georgia must continue its reforms to obtain candidate status,” said Baerbock.

The Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia, Dimitrios Karabalis, hosted  Baerbock at the occupation Line in the Odzisi area. They discussed ongoing “borderisation” activities and their negative impact on the local population’s freedom of movement. The Foreign Minister expressed her gratitude for EUMM’s contribution to stability in Georgia and the wider region. Germany has the largest representation in the EUMM, with 28 nationals serving in the Mission.

“After the European Commission’s report comes out this fall, it will be up to all 27 EU member states to decide on Georgia’s candidacy, and the support of the bloc’s most populous and economically powerful country will be vital. But Tbilisi’s messages remain mixed: on the one hand, Georgian Foreign Minister Darchiashvili duly holds meetings with EU leaders to discuss progress on reforms while the Parliament works on relevant legislation. And on the other hand, Tbilisi pushes controversial laws and engages in confrontational rhetoric toward the West, which many saw as one of the main reasons behind the initial failure to get candidate status last year”, comments Eurasianet.org.

Source:

• GABRITCHIDZE Nini, Eurasianet.org, „Germany’s Baerbock arrives in Tbilisi amid EU uncertainty“, https://eurasianet.org/germanys-baerbock-arrives-in-tbilisi-amid-eu-uncertainty
• Agenda.ge, „German FM Annalena Baerbock Visits Georgia“, https://civil.ge/archives/533309