OSCE Minsk Group concerned over security in Karabakh conflict zone – Russian expert
The OSCE Minsk Group - as the only international mission brokering peace efforts over Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) - is now more concerned over security-related isssues rather than the conflict settlement process, says Alexander Skakov, an expert in Caucasus and Central Asia Affairs at the Russian Institute of Oriental Studies.
According to him, the French, US and Russian co-chairs of the mission are now focused on confidence-building to facilitate the deployment of ceasefire monitoring mechanisms and video shooting devcies along the frontline.
In an interview with Tert.am, the expert shared his expectations from the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign minsters' recent meeting, ruling out the possibility of progress without serious pressures.
“To make the negotiation process active, we need the three Minsk Group co-chairs’ pressure upon the conflicting parties, especially when it comes to Azerbaijan. I don’t think a ministerial meeting alone can give a new impetus to the negotiations. It is important for the two countries’ presidents to meet for higher-level discussions to renew the talks. And last but not least, Nagorno-Karabakh’s participation in the process is important,” he said, re-emphasizing the need to keep Azerbaijan under pressure.
Asked what prevents the Minsk Group from exercising that pressure, the expert highlighted the major foreign policy concerns dominating the three countries’ agenda. “I don’t think the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is of primary importance for either the US or Russia or even the European Union. They are facing more important problems, such as the situation in Syria. And hence the three countries’ leaders are now entirely focused on that. The Nagorno-Karabakh problem is of a secondary value for them,” he added.
Mr Skakov also blamed Azerbaijan for blatantly disrespecting the Vienna arrangements.
“Baku is doing everything possible to consign them to oblivion, as those arrangements are not absolutely in their country's interests. The agreements reached in Vienna are buried in essence; yet there is a possibility to revive them under strong pressure. My belief is that Armenia should insist on the implementation of those arrangements. I don’t think there is any possibility to submit new proposals or options. Anyway, Armenia should beware of proactive steps to derail the implementation of the Vienna arrangements,” he added.
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