A political analyst at RA NAS Oriental Studies Institute characterized the recent statement by OSCE MG co-chairs on NKR presidential election as positive for Armenian side.

“The statement on July 19 polls has some new notes that triggered a nervous reaction from Azerbaijan. The remarks sent a clear signal that the official Baku can no longer ignore the 20 years’ realities which became prevalent in the region,” Andrey Areshev told a news conference in Yerevan.

“Despite OSCE MG co-chairs’ intricate statement, and remarks about non-recognition of NKR, they “acknowledge the need for the de facto authorities in Nagorno Karabakh to try to organize democratically the public life of their population with such a procedure,” which was never said before. I believe it to be a very positive signal which may promote progress in Karabakh settlement talks,” the expert said.

“The well-balanced statement by OSCE MG co-chairs was prompted by Russia’s stance on NKR presidential elections,” CIS States Institute expert Mikhail Alexandrov said.

“The West does not recognize NKR presidential polls to retain Baku’s support in its anti-Iranian activities, also deeming the elections detrimental to Karabakh settlement talks. Russia, which believes democratic elections cannot stand in the way of Karabakh negotiations, however succeeded in disallowing unacceptable formulations in the co-chairs’ statement,” the expert said.

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs (Ambassadors Robert Bradtke of the United States, Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, and Jacques Faure of France) have issued a statement regarding the July 19 presidential election in Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic.

“The Co-Chairs acknowledge the need for the de facto authorities in NK to try to organize democratically the public life of their population with such a procedure. However, the Co-Chairs note that none of their three countries, nor any other country, recognizes Nagorno Karabakh as an independent and sovereign state,” the Co-chairs said.

They also stress 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.”