March 23, 2011 - 21:47 AMT
OPINION
Even possible change of mediators will not affect general situation with Karabakh issue

Recently, Azerbaijan is actively trying to prove the uselessness of the OSCE MG, with Azeri experts stating that the mediators are merely putting up a show of the activity, while in reality Karabakh issue does not benefit from their work. Clearly, such statements serve as a logical continuation of Baku's long-time wish to change the mediation format.

Today, at 76th Rose Roth seminar of NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Tbilisi, First Vice Speaker of parliament, head of the Azerbaijani delegation to NATO PA Ziyafat Asgarov said that NATO must be involved in the settlement of Karabakh issue. “NATO can not stand aside from the solution of this problem,” he said.

Obviously, Azerbaijan hopes for the change of negotiation format to alter the situation in its favor. Still those hopes are not to come true, not only because the states and organizations have no intention to change the negotiation format, but also because any mediators, be it OCSE or NATO, will be guided by the basic principles of international law, such as nation's right for self-determination, non-use of force and territorial integrity. Thus, the change of mediators will not affect the general situation.