‘Despite increased international interest, including the personal involvement of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, the prospects of a resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict now seem at its lowest point in years. The failure to secure a “Basic Principles” agreement before the December Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) summit in Astana – the first in a decade – was deeply troubling. Te political deadlock was accompanied by an increase in violence over the summer–fall’ noted the International Crisis group in its annunal report. The whole report is available on the official website of the international organization.
This year the International Crisis Group will prepare several reports on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. First report will focus on worrying developments on the ground, including the rise in violent incidents, violations of the ceasefire. Crisis Group plans to follow up its briefing on the potential for conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Another report will propose ways to decrease tensions and, through incremental steps, move the negotiations process forward.

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis arrived to Azerbaijan March 14. The OSCE Chairperson today will hold meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.

‘During my visit we will discuss a range of issues including stability, security and cooperation issues’ said Azubalis upon arriving in Baku, APA reprots.
Commenting the question on the trilateral meeting of presidents of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia in Sochi on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office said ‘Among the purposes of my visit are the meetings with the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia to learn information on Sochi meeting and to conclude’. After Azerbaijan A. Azubalis visits Georgia and Armenia.

The presidents of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan released a joint statement on the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict after the official meeting in Sochi on March 5.
According to Novosti news agency the document states that the three presidents discussed the practical implementation of the trilateral declaration adopted by them during their last round of talks in Astrakhan on Oct. 27 last year.

The sides have agreed to complete a swap of prisoners of war as soon as possible. The joint statement also emphasized the parties’ willingness ‘to solve all disputable matters peacefully and conduct investigation of possible incidents along the cease-fire line under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairman through the assistance of Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office’.

‘The desired outcome of the Sochi meeting will be the reinforcement of the agreement on strengthening the atmosphere of trust reached last year in Astrakhan’, former deputy foreign Minister Masis Mayilyan told 1in.am commenting on the trilateral meeting of Russian, Armenian, Azerbaijani presidents in Sochi.

‘Azerbaijan’s aggressive rhetoric and provocation increase the tension in the region and hamper the possibility of developing constructive dialogue. The most realistic development of the negotiation process is to take steps towards strengthening trust and keeping the ceasefire. For doing this the parties must exclude the use of force. I hope that Russian president will stress the importance of these problems’ Mayilyan said.