Expert says OSCE MG shift talk result of Azeri policyApril 3, 2012 - 16:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The issue of replacement of the French mandate with that of the European Union in OSCE Minsk Group is the product of Azerbaijan’s active policy, Armenian political analyst said. Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan deemed such a shift hardly probable due to OSCE MG’s being a well-established format in which current co-chairs are quite pleased with the group’s composition. The expert stressed setting a precedent for the format shift as Azerbaijan’s primary goal, as it constantly voices its discontent with the group’s activity. “Azerbaijan aims to demonstrate its strength, its role and activity. It strives to intensify its presence in the South Caucasus region. And finally, it serves a tool for Azerbaijan to settle own problems. Calling attention to external issues, the authorities pursue a totalitarian policy, strengthening the system and destroying the opposition,” On March 23, European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted a document on Armenia, proposing to replace France’s mandate in OSCE Minsk Group on Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement with that of the European Union. The document is to be put to vote at European Parliament’s plenary session supposedly in a month. 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. Top stories The Cabinet of Ministers decided on Thursday, November 9 to allocated AMD 120 million to arrange the gathering. Michael Roth believes sanctions must be put on the table after Baku‘s ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Yerevan City Council has elected Tigran Avniyan from the ruling Civil Contract as the mayor of the Armenian capital. The Armenian Parliament on Tuesday, October 3 voted to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. |