Former ambassador: OSCE Minsk Group unnecessary in Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks

Matthew Bryza, former U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan and current member of the Jamestown Foundation’s Board of Directors, stated that the OSCE Minsk Group no longer has a role in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Bryza emphasized that the direct negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have reduced the necessity for external mediators, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"Since Azerbaijan and Armenia have decided to engage in direct talks, intermediaries are no longer necessary, and the two countries are now close to signing a peace agreement. In this case, the Minsk Group is no longer needed," Bryza remarked.

The diplomat also noted that there is no requirement for U.S. mediation, or the involvement of other countries, in the ongoing peace process. According to Bryza, both nations are moving towards an agreement without external interference.

"If Armenia and Azerbaijan are going to sign a peace treaty, there is no need for mediation by the U.S. or any other country. I hope they will sign the peace treaty. As we know, the text of the agreement is already being finalized, and now the main issue is to amend the Armenian constitution in accordance with Azerbaijan's requirements. I believe this will happen. Of course, this depends on whether the political opponents of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resort to unlawful actions," Bryza said.

Reflecting on past attempts at peace, Bryza recalled the 1999 efforts under the Minsk Group, which saw Armenia and Azerbaijan close to a peace deal. However, the assassination of Armenia's Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament led to the collapse of that initiative.

By Vugar Khalilov