The OSCE Minsk Group is the only body authorized to deal with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and any change in its format will not contribute to the peace process, President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) Bako Sahakyan stated, commenting on official Baku’s intention to get the issue discussed by the United Nations.

The NKR leader said that any change in the format will not produce favorable results. “Karabakh’s not participating in the peace process, as well as Azerbaijan’s lacking political will, is a hindrance to the OSCE Minsk Group’s successful activities. However, the international community cannot ignore the NKR forever,” Sahakyan said.

The NKR is a regional actor, “which means very much.” “The work carried out by Armenia brings closer the NKR’s participation in the negotiations and recognition of its independence. By combined efforts we have accomplished our major task: ensuring the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s security. Every effort is being made to maintain peaceful living conditions,” Sahakyan said.  

As regards Armenia’s not recognizing the NKR’s independence, he said that it has become a subject for speculations. “We have repeatedly stated that Armenia’s recognizing the NKR’s independence must not be an end in itself. We do not demand that the issue become a priority, as Armenia is responsible to the international community. We do not express our discontent and we are sure that Armenia will recognize the NKR sooner or later,” the NKR leader concluded.