Appointment of former Russian ambassador as OSCE MG co-chair more suitable for Azerbaijan: expert

“He has knowledge of the region and it will not be difficult for him to fit into this process. I think, as ambassador to Azerbaijan, he was always informed of the negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Another point is whether he will be able to represent Russia in a credible manner at the international level. Moreover, the important issue is also that how high office he now holds in the Foreign Ministry and whether he will have credibility in the Kremlin circles,” Musabayov said.

He said a great influence by Matthew Bryza on resolution of the conflict was associated with a high position he held in the U.S. Department of State.

“In this regard, of course, appointment of State Secretary at the Russian Foreign Ministry Grigory Karasin is preferable. But here another question arises: whether he will be able to find time to engage in the settlement of the conflict because of such high-rank position? Because there have been similar experience when Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Trubnikov was co-chair. Although he visited the region, resolution of the conflict did not go ahead,” the political expert said.  

He said the fact that whom Russia will appoint co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group will show how seriously Russia is set to intensify efforts to resolve the conflict and is ready to become a principal in the process.

“I do not exclude that such an appointment would signal there are no special expectations for progress and Russia will strive to maintain communication channels and keep the situation under control,” Musabayov said.

/Novosti Azerbaijan/