Russian FM: All structures of OSCE Minsk Group should be dissolved

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said the American and French co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group stopped communicating with Russian representatives in February 2022, and the West initially blocked the format.

According to Zakharova, all structures of the Minsk Group are subject to dissolution, and the optimal way forward would be a corresponding proposal from Yerevan and Baku, Caliber.Az reports.

"Given this, as well as Armenia's recognition (by Pashinyan in Prague in October 2022) of Nagorno-Karabakh as an integral part of Azerbaijan, and the fundamental change in the 'situation on the ground,' this format has lost its relevance,” she noted.

During a briefing, Zakharova responded to a provocative question from an Armenian journalist about the presence of the Turkish flag in both Syria and Karabakh, areas where the Russian flag once flew.

"The Azerbaijani flag is now flying in Karabakh," Zakharova answered.

Note that, on December 5, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov addressed key issues at the OSCE Ministerial Council in Valletta, Malta, focusing on the global crisis of multilateralism and security challenges. He highlighted the erosion of trust in multilateral institutions, due to violations of international law and selective application of commitments.

Bayramov stressed the growing threats posed by transnational challenges, such as rising ethnic and religious intolerance, Islamophobia, and anti-Semitism in Europe.

Bayramov also criticized the outdated OSCE structures, particularly the Minsk process, urging reform to align with the organization's financial regulations. He updated on Azerbaijan’s progress in normalizing relations with Armenia, including the restoration of sovereignty, the successful delimitation of borders, and ongoing efforts to draft a bilateral agreement.

However, he pointed out unresolved issues, particularly Armenia’s territorial claims in its constitution, which could hinder long-term peace.

In closing, Bayramov called on the international community to support the peace process and refrain from actions that could undermine it. He emphasized that mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is key to sustainable peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Bayramov’s comments reflect Azerbaijan’s commitment to peaceful resolution while seeking reciprocal responsibility from Armenia.

By Aghakazim Guliyev