Odd Azeri logic or commotion in Karabakh settlementNovember 16, 2011 - 21:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Over 10 OSCE Minsk Group member states seek active involvement in the settlement of Karbakh conflict, the vice- speaker of Azeri parliament Bakhar Muradova stated, noting Baku’s support for the initiative. Clearly, involvement of countries which had no previous experience in Karabakh settlement, as opposed to Russia, France and U.S., will confuse the process, serving as a major throwback to further protract the conflict. Azerbaijan, which never stops weaponry purchase, still hopeful to resume the war, will be the only side to benefit from the situation. However, Azerbaijan continues its illogical line, with Muradova’s statement running counter to her previous remarks. In reply to urges of removing France as OSCE MG co-chair, she noted, “any change of co-chairmanship format will delay the settlement. The EU or other international organizations, capable of affecting the negotiation process, will be able to do it without replacing France. Its replacement isn’t essential. Over the past period, the 3 co-chairing countries gained the necessary experience. Replacement of a co-chair with a country, unaware of the situation, will complicate the situation.” The vice- speaker seems to be having trouble with deciding whether Baku needs involvement of a dozen of countries in Karbakh settlement or is concerned over the replacement of even one co-chair. In short, Azerbaijan keeps jumping out of the frying-pan into the fire, trying to present itself as a supporter of a rapid settlement of Karabakh issue, while secretly working to protract the conflict. “Involvement of other countries and structures in Karabakh settlement will trigger further diplomatic commotion,” Strategic Studies Institute deputy director general, political analyst Andrey Areshev said. And a commotion of that scale will take a long time to dispel. Marina Ananikyan / PanARMENIAN News Related links: 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 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |