MP: I think it is expedient and effective to change composition of OSCE Minsk group if no results are attained

"Of course, it is difficult to clearly answer the question whether the OSCE Minsk Group manages to fulfill its mission to settle the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict or not", said Ali Ahmedov, deputy chairman, executive secretary of the New Azerbaijan Party and deputy of Milli Majlis, Ali Ahmedov.

"This group, according to mandate, is working to implement a complex mission. Azerbaijan openly declares the need to resolve the conflict peacefully. However, mediators' support is needed for the peaceful settlement of the conflict", he said.

According to A. Ahmedov, the Minsk Group through all years of existence has made great efforts for the peaceful settlement of the conflict.

"I want to emphasize that in recent times these efforts became intensified. And it is commendable. But all activities must be evaluated on the basis of the results. Despite the fact that the OSCE Minsk Group has marked over 17 years of its existence, the conflict has not yet been resolved. Naturally, there is nonconstructive position of Armenia, which does not intend to leave the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

It is possible to speak about other factors. However, unresolved conflict, the presence of more than one million refugees and internally displaced persons remain the main fact of this situation. Under such circumstances, it is difficult to express appreciation for the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group. Therefore, the Azerbaijani society harshly criticizes its work. And I think that this criticism is fair", noted the deputy chairman of the ruling party.

According to him, if the group is established to resolve any problem and can not settle it despite the efforts made, the need for new steps appears to change the situation. If the OSCE Minsk Group has not been able to solve the problem for 17 years, it is precisely the case when there is a need to do something new.

"The logic of the negotiations is that the expected miracle does not occur. But it is necessary to change the situation and the Minsk Group should change itself, at least in its format".

According to him, the mediation must be based on several principles.

"Perhaps, the most fair principle is the complete neutrality of the mediators, so that no grounds for subjective approach were left. But, I think, it is difficult to convince the citizens of Azerbaijan in the total neutrality of the Minsk Group. However, at this point I do not want to go into detail", said A. Akhmedov.

According to him, if this principle does not work, it is necessary to use a different principle, the meaning of which is that if one of the mediators is not neutral with respect to one of the parties to the conflict, it is necessary to involve a mediator that could ensure necessary balance in the negotiation process for the sake of justice and restoration of parity.

"This would be fair and have a positive impact on the negotiation process", he said.

"The Armenian side is protesting against Turkey's involvement into the issue, because it believes that Turkey is has a special position on Azerbaijan. But at the same time, within the Minsk Group there are parties who have never concealed sympathy for Armenia. And there is a need for the country co-chairing the Minsk Group, which will treat Azerbaijan similarly. I think it would be important from the standpoint of fairness and parity. At the same time, it would give new impetus to the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group", noted A. Ahmedov.

"Along with all this I would like to note that Azerbaijan welcomed the idea of continuing the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group, because my country believes that the possibilities for a peaceful settlement of the conflict have not been exhausted. I want to stress the importance of efforts to solve the problem, and noted the need for action by the OSCE Minsk Group", he said.

"But I also think is it expedient and effective to change the composition of the team, if no results are achieved", said A. Ahmedov.

"This is a very important issue. My personal opinion, and the very philosophy of mediation is that it should either be completely neutral, or consist of parties that would protect interests and positions of all conflicting parties", concluded he.

/Day.Az/