Azerbaijan showed dislike for OSCE Minsk Group’s statement on presidential elections in Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic. In their statement the mediators stressed acknowledgement of the need for the “de facto” authorities in NKR to try to organize democratically the public life of their population with such a procedure. However, the Co-Chairs noted that “none of their three countries, nor any other country, recognizes Nagorno Karabakh as an independent and sovereign state.”

They also stressed that “the procedures of July 19 in no way prejudge the final legal status of Nagorno Karabakh or the outcome of the ongoing negotiations to bring a lasting and peaceful settlement to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.”

Commenting on the given statement, Azerbaijani political expert Vafa Guluzade accused the Co-Chairs of hypocrisy. Calling attention to the fact that most of the observers at NKR elections were representatives from Russia, the expert noted that “this reaffirms Moscow’s sympathy with Armenia. The involvement of Russian State Duma representatives at the “elections” in occupied Azeri territories reaffirms Russia’s being a direct conflict party on Armenia’s side,” he said.

“The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ statement proved the dirty policy they pursue,” Vesti.az quoted another political analyst Zardusht Alizadeh as saying.

Azeri MP Asim Mollazade, in turn, said that “the statement testifies to OSCE Minsk Group’s failed policy, conditioned by legal nihilism and incorrect approach to the basic documents. The statement is nothing but nonsense that runs counter to international law.”

It is noteworthy that it is not the first time such derogatory statements addressed to OSCE Misk Group have been issued.

However, no proper response by mediators as a rule follows, considering either their commitment to the principle “don't take offense from the sick and weak!”, or preference to remain silent, or Baku’s practice to again sympathize with the Minsk Group as soon as the latter favors Azerbaijan in its statements.