Lawrence Broers: Can't Be Satisfied with Restoring Ceasefire

Baku / 06.10.20 / Turan: Despite the statements of the parties about shooting only at military targets, strikes are also being applied to settlements, which has a great psychological effect. This is an indicator of the expansion of the conflict outside of Nagorno-Karabakh. Laurens Broers, an expert of the London non-governmental organization Chatham House, said this in an interview with the Azerbaijani service of the Voice of America.

A large-scale war between Armenia and Azerbaijan imposes more obligations on Russia and Turkey.

 Logically, Moscow and Ankara should not be interested in getting involved in the conflict on whose side. However, it is not clear how much they will be able to influence Baku and Yerevan in case of further intensification of hostilities.

He expressed regret that the international community begins to pay attention to the conflict when the loss of life begins. However, one cannot be content with just a cease-fire. An updated political process is needed to address fundamental issues.

It is necessary to convene the never held OSCE Minsk Conference (should have been convened back in 1992) to ensure the security of the parties. The ongoing conflict is a test for multilateral diplomacy,” the expert said.

Is it possible a solution like the Dayton Agreement to resolve the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina? In response to this question, Broers said Dayton was a product of a unipolar world, and then it worked. Currently, there are two interested external forces in the Karabakh conflict want to expand their influence in the region. It is hard to believe they will find a common denominator. However, the understanding that there should be no winners and losers and the awareness of heavy losses can unite them. To achieve peace, there is a need for a political process with ensuring the interests of both Armenians and Azerbaijanis, concluded Lawrence. — 16 / 06D-