YEREVAN. – The phrase about “the role of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding their future” in the statement by OSCE Minsk Group in fact indicates that they recognize the elections, political analyst Sergey Minasyan said.

The fact that the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is forming a parliament for the sixth time is significant in terms of Karabakh's foreign policy and the negotiation process.

“The Co-Chairs also note that ‘parliamentary elections’ are taking place May 3 in Nagorno-Karabakh.  In the context of a comprehensive settlement of the conflict, we recognize the role of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding their future.  However, none of our three countries, nor any other country, recognizes Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent and sovereign state,” the Minsk Group co-chairs said in a statement.

"In this context, during last few days there have been various comments from both the OSCE Minsk Group and other institutions and the third parties. We must not forget that, ever since the 1990s, when the Minsk Group was formed, elections in Nagorno-Karabakh got critical assessments that contradict formal logic, since it is clear that, regardless of the status of Nagorno Karabakh, it should have authorities,” Minasyan said.

Moreover, the analyst emphasized that the mandate of the Minsk Group, includes the obligation that the latter should also work with the elected authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“Therefore, the Minsk Group and external players do not have to ignore the fact of elections in Nagorno-Karabakh. On the other hand, it is noted that these elections will not have any effect on the peace process settlement. It is logical that we hear such statements from the international community, since the latter probably would like to see the settlement was based on some mutual agreement or compromise between the Armenian sides and Azerbaijan,” he added.