Tom de Waal: I did not cooperate with Ruben Vardanyan

Baku/05.10.23/Turan: British political analyst Tom de Waal has refuted Ruben Vardanyan's claims about their connections in an interview with Turan.

Azerbaijani media, citing reliable sources, has reported on Ruben Vardanyan's testimony to the investigators of Azerbaijan's State Security Service. Vardanyan allegedly disclosed his cooperation with Russian and American state and public organizations. Notably, he mentioned providing financial support to Alexander Borodai, a former combat commander involved in separatist activities in Ukraine who currently serves as a deputy in the Russian State Duma.

Among the organizations mentioned by Vardanyan was the Carnegie Research Foundation, with Tom de Waal serving as the lead analyst. When asked by Turan about his ties to Vardanyan, Tom de Waal vehemently denied any form of collaboration. He clarified, "Andrew Carnegie established numerous organizations. Perhaps there is confusion with the Carnegie Corporation of New York, which was formerly headed by the late Vartan Grigoryan. My organization, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, is entirely separate. I have had no collaboration with Mr. Vardanyan."

Tom de Waal is a renowned conflict researcher and author of several books, including the widely read study on the Karabakh conflict titled "Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan between Peace and War" (2003).

Ruben Vardanyan, the former Russian billionaire and ex-state minister of the separatist regime in Karabakh, was apprehended on September 28th at the "Lachin" checkpoint while attempting to depart Azerbaijan for Armenia. Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, including allegations related to the financing of terrorism.