The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is not an agency dealing with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is the OSCE Minsk Group, Sergey Kapinos, Head of the OSCE office in Yerevan, told a press conference, commenting on a statement made by the OSCE PA Special Representative for Nagorno-Karabakh Goran Lenmarker. He stated that Nagorno-Karabakh is not to participate in the negotiations.

According to him, although bilateral negotiations are presently being held, and Nagorno-Karabakh is not involved, the OSCE MG Co-Chairs, in visiting the region, visit Nagorno-Karabakh as well. They hold consultations there and take Nagorno-Karabakh’s opinion into account. ""No doubt, no solution to the conflict is possible without Nagorno-Karabakh’s consent. How can any decision be made without Nagorno-Karabakh?" Kapinos said.

As to whether Kazakhstan, as OSCE chairing state can play a decisive role in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, Kapinos pointed out that the OSCE MG’s participation is enough for the problem to be resolved.

“Last year the solution seemed to be very close, but no agreement was ever reached,” he said. Kapinos pointed that the process has entered a most important stage.

“The Madrid Principles were revised, and the negotiations are being conducted on the basis of the principles,” he said. Kapinos pointed out that the peace process has been delayed because of “numerous issues not agreed on.”

NEWS.am reminds readers that OSCE Representative for Nagorno-Karabakh Goran Lenmarker, who was on a visit to Yerevan, ruled out Nagorno-Karabakh’s participation in the negotiations. He pointed out the need for the present format. Otherwise, he said, the peace process will last for several more years.

T.P.