Nagorno-Karabakh’s involvement in negotiations only way to change Minsk Group format – expert
The only way if changing the Minsk Group format is Nagorno-Karabakh’s involvement in the negotiations, political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan told Tert.am.
The latest statement by the Minsk Group is clearly accusing Azerbaijan. The reason is a threat of war because one is objecting to a war in the region.
Asked whether the Minsk Group’s latest statement be said to have put an end to the tradition of parity, Mr Melik-Shahnazaryan said:
“The Minsk Group, as mediator, had always tried to equally criticize both the states. However, the latest statement was obviously accusing Azerbaijan and demanding that it honor its commitments. The commitments have repeatedly been stated and it is common knowledge. As to the message addressed to Armenia, all the conflicting parties have always been supposed to take measures to defuse tension. If we compare the previous statements by the Minsk Group, we should note that the statement is clearly addressed to Azerbaijan. We should also note the fact that it was a meeting with the Azerbaijani FM. That is, the mediators see the opposite side creates problems. And there is no need for a meeting with Armenia’s FM.”
Since Azerbaijan is ignoring international organizations’ calls and is even critical of the Minsk Group, can that state be expected to consider the latest statement?
“I do not hope Azerbaijan will come to senses if we consider the fact that Azerbaijan has political problems to solve in the region as well, and escalating helps Azerbaijan to more efficiently deal with the problems. Azerbaijan has dozens of reasons for such behavior, and I think they will not miss a chance to escalate tension. Azerbaijan has a task of correct calculation. They do not want a large-scale war and, in the contest of international situation and Russia-West confrontation, they are seeking to escalate tension. It is the Armenian side’s position, especially the position declared by the Armenian president, and our military potential and regular retaliations that play a deterring role.”
Asked about Russia’s position in the context of close Armenian-Russian relations, Mr Melik-Shahnazaryan said:
“Russia is seeking to get over the situation, maintaining relations with both Azerbaijan and Armenia. That is, Russia’s position is similar to that of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, which, of course, does not mean defused tensions or does not reflect Armenian-Russian relations as allies. We have to do serious diplomatic work with Russia. I think Armenia should make more consistent efforts to have Russia assume a stronger pro-Armenian position.”
As regards the opinions that the approaching Armenian Genocide centennial accounts for the border tension, and Turkey is inciting Azerbaijan to divert the international community’s attention, the expert said:
“I am sure that diverting the international community’s attention from the Armenian Genocide is the major reason for the tension because the Armenian Cause as a factor, especially in the Turkey-West relations, is playing a rather serious deterring role in preventing Turkey from accomplishing its European integration task and intensifying its regional activity. Turkey is ready for any steps to neutralize the Armenian Cause as a political factor. However, neither the West nor Armenia will ever reject such a tool. Well aware of the fact that the Armenian Genocide centennial this year could make this factor even stronger, Turkey and Azerbaijan are trying to divert the international attention. If we see the frequency of meetings between top-ranking Turkish and Azerbaijani officials, we can see that the two states have drafted a clear policy for this year and are jointly implementing it.”
As regard the possibility of changes in the Minsk Group format, considering Azerbaijan’s criticisms and the latest thesis about Germany’s claims to replace France as OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing state, Mr Melik-Shahnazaryan said:
“I rule out any changes in the Minsk Group format because it would require the Armenian side’s consent as well. The only way if changing the Minsk Group format is Nagorno-Karabakh’s involvement in the negotiations. For years, Azerbaijan has consistently been doing its utmost to put an end to the Minsk Group as such and have the Nagorno-Karabakh problem discussed in a different format. Azerbaijan’s aim is clear. They are aware that, beside dealing with the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, the Minsk Group is a kind of club where Russia, the US and the European Union (EU), represented by France, are coordinating their policy in the region. And as long as the Minsk Group is working, the presence of any external actor as a political factor in the South Caucasus is actually ruled out, which is, of course, against Azerbaijan’s interests because they want to see Turkey as their powerful ally in the Caucasus.”
With this end in view, Azerbaijan is seeking to have the Minsk Group dissolved. It failed during previous years, when more favorable conditions for that were available, nor will it succeed in the future, the expert said.
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