YEREVAN. – Russia is moving the negotiations on the Karabakh conflict settlement on to the dimension of a Russian-Azerbaijani deal, Armenian political scientist Ruben Mehrabyan said at a press conference on Wednesday.

“The Russian policy, which will attempt to take the matter out of the [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)] Minsk Group format and take it to its own platform, achieved success,” said Mehrabyan. “What was agreed in Vienna was not secured in the Saint Petersburg talk [among the presidents of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan].” The analyst added that, in his view, Armenia should not participate in meetings in such format.

In his words, the present-day situation rests on the sincere words by Russia, but without a legal guarantee.

“An agreement is reached to continue talks together with the Minsk Group, also in this format,” noted Mehrabyan. “This is hard for the Armenian side, but this arrangement is convenient for Azerbaijan, since it is not interested in any progress.”

The political scientist stated that Armenia did not play any counter-games during this time. In his words, time is now working to the detriment of Armenia.

“Armenia needs to immediately diversify its security, energy, foreign, [and] defense policy,” added Ruben Mehrabyan. “The ball is on the Armenian authorities’ court on this matter; this is the only way to prevent further war.”