As always, before the Co-Chairs’ visit Baku “surprised” the whole world. But if previously her actions were limited to just playing on nerves, last time the Aliyev clan clearly went too far. It was only the U.S. that was indifferent to the murder of Manvel Saribekian, remaining true to her unending pragmatism, which has been recently turning against America itself, no matter how hard they try to make us believe the contrary. The OSCE is usually reserved in her assessment of events, but this time it could not bear such barbarism. At a press briefing in Stepanakert, Russian co-chairman Igor Popov said he “was shocked to hear about Armenian shepherd Manvel Saribekian killed in the Azeri captivity”. He expressed his condolences to Saribekian’s relatives and noted that this fact should be carefully examined, with participation of international organizations, the ICRC in particular.

In fact, nothing has changed in the consciousness of Azerbaijani Turkic nomads since the murder of Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan. The same barbarism, the same attitude towards the enemy and, as a consequence, the ideology of hatred that is already bearing fruit. Azerbaijan has brought up a generation for whom the word “Armenian” causes nothing but primitive instincts of destruction. And under these circumstances the OSCE field assessment mission means nothing but making semblance of activity. However, to blame the co-chairs would be wrong. “I want you to understand that we are mediators, and, as such, we work independently. And since we are mediators, we are not trying to do anything in favor of one party or another. What we are seeking is achievement of peace,” said Bernard Fassier, mediator of France. But even if this is true, nothing depends on the views of the OSCE Minsk Group. Baku killed the captives, organized provocations at the border, and will continue doing so. And even Turkey cannot stop her, because of civilizational identity.

In any case, it would be wrong to speak of the failure of the assessment mission. After all, the Armenian side gained some advantages from it: the mediators themselves saw what was happening in the liberated territories. And if they really dare to inspect the Nagorno-Karabakh territories occupied by Azerbaijan, one can say that the mission is complete. Although it is inevitable that Baku should be raising obstacles to it.

The main task of the mission is to explain the OSCE, UN and all the parties interested in regulation of the Karabakh conflict the actual situation in the liberated territories, namely that there are no camps of militants, transit of narcotics and sales of illegal arms there. And the question is whether the mediators will be able to answer these questions honestly, or in order to please various interests of the parties they will, as always, limit themselves to vague and incomprehensible statements. Armenia has nothing to fear about, but it would be too difficult for Azerbaijan to justify herself for the lies and nonsense. However... it doesn’t seem to be the first time for Baku.