Analyst: Baku takes initiative in direct talks with Armenia Leaving mediators behind

Armenian political scientist Suren Surenyants has said that Azerbaijan is effectively implementing its agenda by engaging in direct talks with Armenia since December 7, 2023.

"Whether we like it or not, the Azerbaijani agenda is being implemented, that is, Baku has been holding direct talks with Armenia since December 7, 2023. Azerbaijan seems to have achieved its goal, regardless of what the Armenian authorities say," Caliber.Az quotes him as sayinf in an interview with Armenian media.

"The tone and formulations of [Azerbaijani Foreign Minister] Jeyhun Bayramov clearly indicate that there will be no mediators, even if the meeting takes place in Berlin. At most, Berlin may have the status of a coordinator, meaning mediation is out of the question.

It is clear to me that these talks will not take place in a mediator format, in which case it becomes very important which country has provided the negotiating table. This circumstance is also connected with the fact that Baku is the first to announce it and not Yerevan because if Yerevan were to announce it, it would have to answer several questions that they are trying to avoid.

In the same logic, look at Jeyhun Bayramov's doubts about the observation mission. They consistently stick to the line that everything can be negotiated together, third countries interfere more, etc. In other words, Baku's logic is clear, and other formulations follow from this logic," the political scientist said.