Lavrov did not bring new proposals on Karabakh

Baku / 20.11.17 / Turan: Statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made during today's discussions on the Karabakh settlement testify to the absence of something new to resolve this problem. During the conversation with Elmar Mamedyarov and during the subsequent press conference, Larov stressed that the parameters of the settlement, which should lead to the result, are already known. "Conflict does not suit anyone, we need to look for solutions, especially since many and many directions that should lead to the result have already emerged," he said.

At the same time, he rejected the possibility of expanding the composition of the OSCE Minsk Group, making it clear that no one in the world cares about Nagorno-Karabakh except Russia, the United States and France. "The OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired all the countries that are interested in and potentially influential in this process," Lavrov said, noting that the idea of ​​changing the format only spoils the matter. From what has been said above, we can conclude that Lavrov has come to reaffirm Moscow's previous stance that there is no need to expect anything new and now the negotiating ideas of the settlement are on the table of negotiations.

Against this background, Elmar Mammadyarov's statement that "there are options for solutions that can help move the issue out of that situation" looked unconvincing. He did not specify what exactly are "variants of solutions", saying that he discussed them last week in Moscow with the co-chairs. However, judging by the behavior of Lavrov, Mamedyarov's ideas did not inspire the Russian side.

Therefore, Mamedyarov's appeal to show political will and take concrete steps to comply with UN Security Council resolutions to resolve the conflict, sounded ordinary. Thus, the expectations for a phased settlement and the return of the five districts in the first stage again hung in the air. Previously, unofficial sources reported that Moscow would approve this plan if Baku joins the CSTO, the Customs Union and lets Russian peacekeepers into Karabakh. -02 / 6B-