CONTEMPORARY EURASIA VOLUME VII (1, 2) Contemporary-Eurasia-3new | Page 123

LILIT GALSTYAN
2. Russian mediation missions between 2000 and 2016
2.1. The centralized state administration of Vladimir Putin: 2000-2008
The new stage of negotiations, referred to as the “Prague Process,”
continued after 2003, following the presidential changes in Azerbaijan,
Armenia and Russia. Within the framework of the “Prague Process,” on
March 19, 2004, with the attendance of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs, a
meeting took place in Prague between the Armenian (Vartan Oskanian)
and Azerbaijani (Vilayat Guliyev) foreign ministers. Further, Kocharyan
and Aliyev had another meeting in Astana on September 15, with the par-
ticipation of the new Russian President, Vladimir Putin. 39 After the meet-
ing, he stated, “We all recognize the complexity of the NK issue. It is
very important that the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents continue the
negotiations, as without mutual talks it is impossible to fi nd ways for con-
fl ict regulation. No matter what is being said on this subject, Russia is
interested in settling this issue, as we want to have full-fl edged coopera-
tion with Azerbaijan and Armenia.” 40 The other Kocharyan-Aliyev meet-
ings took place in Warsaw on May 15, 2005 and in Kazan on August 27,
2005. 41
The major points discussed within the “Prague Process” were the ref-
erendum, the notion of “interim status” and special arrangements for Kel-
bajar and Lachin regions. 42 Following it further, during the “Prague Pro-
cess,” the Armenian side agreed to withdraw its forces from fi ve districts
other than Kelbajar and Lachin, by taking into consideration their strate-
gic importance for Armenia. Nonetheless, the Kelbajar case was further
discussed during the Rambouillet meeting in 2006 when Armenia stated
that it would withdraw its forces from Kelbajar only after the holding of
the referendum concerning the NK status. 43
Vladimir Putin had positive expectations from Rambouillet meet-
ing and stated, “Despite the diffi culty of the problem, the parties can
fi nd a mutually acceptable solution. There is a chance to solve the prob-
lem and we will support in every way so that the problem stays in the
past.” 44 Even though the new Russian president was also engaged in the
39
40
41
42
43
44
Pokalova, “Confl ict Resolution in Frozen Confl icts: Timing in Nagorno-Karabakh,” 76.
Vladimir Putin, “Putiny Lernayin Xarabaxi xndiry hamarum e “cayrahex bard,” (in Arme-
nian) [Putin refers to NK issue as “extremely diffi cult”] Azg No. 62, 16 September 2004.
Vadim Romashov&Helena Rytövuori-Apunen, “Nagorno-Karabakh: Steps of Settlement
Market Out by Russia’s Interests,” Tampere Peace Research Institute (2016): 146.
Elkhan Mehtiyev, “Armenia-Azerbaijan Prague Process: Road Map to Peace or Stalemate
for Uncertainty?” Confl ict Studies Research Centre (2005): 4.
International Crisis Group. “Nagorno-Karabakh: Risking War”. Europe Report, issue No.
187 (14 November 2007):5.
Vladimir Putin, “Lernayin Xarabaxi kargavorman hamar lracucich xorhrdakcutyunner,” (in
Armenian) [Additional consultations over the NK resolution] Azg No. 33, 23 February 2006.
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