What is Not Included in Today’s Signed Document: Angela Elibegova

Expert on Azerbaijan Angela Elibegova commented on the results of today’s meeting in Sochi, where the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia issued a joint statement. She writes:

“What is included in today’s published statement:

1. Agreement to begin work on the establishment of a joint commission for delimitation. Russia offered to provide consultation on demarcation issues (I assume this is related to their General Staff maps).
2. They are satisfied with the work being done to open economic and transport communications.
3. It is necessary to implement specific economic projects as quickly as possible.
4. Activate the implementation of the issues raised in the November 9 documents.

What is not included in the document:

1. Return of all detainees before the opening of communication processes.
2. Resolution of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh and issues of de-occupation within the framework of the Minsk Group before the start of delimitation and demarcation processes.
3. Provision of guarantees for the elimination of security threats before the launch of joint economic programs.