The Nagorno-Karabakh peace process must remain within the OSCE Minsk Group, Sabine Freizer, Europe Program Director, International Crisis Group (ICG), stated in an interview with the “Zhamanak” newspaper.

She understands Azerbaijan’s concern over the fact that the OSCE Minsk Group’s efforts have not so far produced any appreciable results. However, the changes expected during the following months may cause Azerbaijan to change its attitude, Freizer said. She pointed out Armenia’s serious problem - as Azerbaijan claims it accepts the fundamental settlement principles, but Armenia does not.

Armenia has not so far stated what it considers acceptable and unacceptable in the basic principles, which, in turn, hinder progress in the peace process.

Commenting on the recent statements by OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Robert Bradtke that the MG generated new ideas, proposing a change in the present status of the territories (Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions), Freizer pointed out that Bradtke’s statement is not quite clear. However, it is obvious that the seven occupied regions must be returned to Azerbaijan. She could not say if the status of the Lachin corridor is being discussed or not, if some territories will be returned later than the others. One thing is clear: the territories are occupied and a change in their status means their return to Azerbaijan.