CONTEMPORARY EURASIA VIII (2) ContEurVIII2 | Page 56

ANNA KARAPETYAN
developments in Armenia, there have been some changes in the
perceptions of the negotiating elements, which have not yet been clearly
reflected in the negotiation process. Among the related factors, the most
important is the goal of returning Artsakh to the negotiation process, but
which has not led to practical steps and results. While there are positive
dynamics in the process of confidence-building measures, its short,
medium, and long-term prospects are unclear, as the Armenian side's
strategy is constantly changing, and it is difficult to predict Azerbaijan's
strategic goal in this regard.
International developments
During the abovementioned period, certain significant developments
also took place in other conflicts arising from the struggle for the
realization of the right to self-determination, which have a direct and
indirect impact on international and regional perceptions of the Artsakh
issue.
The rise of tension was rooted in the relations between South
Ossetia and Georgia. Tskhinvali closed the border in response to the
deployment of Georgian police checkpoints. Georgia's actions in South
Ossetia are perceived as an attempt to apply psychological pressure to
increase tension in the region. Growing tension in the region tainting
Russia-Georgia relations could create new challenges for Armenia.
The situation surrounding the Cyprus issue also had some
developments. In the spring of 2019, Turkey began drilling in the
exclusive economic zone of Cyprus. Ankara claims it has the right to drill
gas fields as they are partially owned by the Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus. Meanwhile, this step of Ankara was regarded by the
Republic of Cyprus and Greece as an intrusion into the exclusive
economic zone of Cyprus. Athens called on Brussels to take action
against Turkey.
In July, the European Union suspended dialogue with Turkey and
imposed sanctions. It was decided to cut financial aid to Turkey by 2020,
to suspend the activities of Turkey-EU Association Council and
negotiations on an air transportation agreement. The Council of Foreign
Ministers also urged the European Investment Bank to review Turkey's
financial programs. At the same time, the president of the Republic of
Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiadis, offered to share the profit of the sale of
natural gas with Turkish Cypriots. He called for the opening of escrow
56