Russia seeks to alter OSCE MG format

February 18, 2010 - 18:52 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net -
At present, Russia seeks to alter OSCE MG format or start parallel process of conflict settlement, ANC representative David Shakhnazaryan believes.

“The following fact can prove this: during tripartite Armenia-Russia-Azerbaijan presidential meeting in Sochi, the parties agreed on presenting their suggestions within two weeks to Russia, rather than OSCE MG,” David Shakhnazaryan told a news conference in Yerevan.

According to ANC representative, Russia intends to drag out Karabakh issue settlement for as long as possible, instead of attempting at parallel resolution of the conflict. “The issues above will soon be resolved within the framework of Washington –Moscow relations,” he emphasized.

Commenting on reporters’ question if OSCE chairman – NKR president meeting can be construed as a signal to Karabakh’s involvement in negotiations, Shaknazaryan advised against rushing to conclusions, as the meeting with NKR president was later followed by that with Karabakh’s Azeri community in Azerbaijan.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.