Minsk Group trying to save its mediatory role in Karabakh peace – Russian analyst

The OSCE Minsk Group, as the only internationally mandated mission negotiating peace over Nagorno-Karabakh, is trying to save its presence in the conflict settlement process, a Russian political analyst said today, commenting on the group’s neutrally worded statements.

Speaking at a debate in Yerevan, Alexander Skakov said he feels that the agreements in St Petersburg and Vienna were reached under the conflicting parties’ pressure.

“Azerbaijan was not logically expected to abide by any arrangement it hadn’t undersigned,” he noted.

Stepan Grigoryan, President of the Analytical Centre on Globalisation and Regional Cooperation, also stressed the importance of more specifically addressed statements by the Minsk Group co-chairs.

Commenting on the recent escalation on the Line of Contact, Richard Giragosian, Director of the Regional Studies Center, said the western mediators have little if any leverage at all to effect changes. He added that the existing inaction and failure to exert pressure upon Azerbaijan escalates the tension more, pushing the country to more aggression. In his words, Russia is the only superpower capable of influencing Azerbaijan.

Giragosian said he expects more offensives on the frontline also in April, noting that Azerbaijan will receive weaponry from Russia and Israel by that period. In his words, the possible fighting will be likely timed with the pre-election period in Armenia.