The homecoming has occasioned some controversy, as Azerbaijani authorities say the remains of the legendary Caucasus hero Hadji Murad were taken out of the country without their permission.
Some opposed the decision, saying other Armenian athletes braved the hostile environment. Others said he should have taken a stronger stand against Azerbaijani discrimination against ethnic Armenians.
Migrants from other Soviet republics help Russia meet its workforce needs as the ethnic-Russian population declines. But paperwork is keeping many away.
An exchange of Armenian and Azerbaijani detainees could help build trust to make further progress in peace negotiations – but it could also exacerbate tensions.
The Armenian prime minister blamed “remnants of the corrupt system” for trying to use the exchange with his Russian counterpart to mock him on social media.
