The statement made by Novruz Mammedov, Head of the International Relations Department, Azerbaijani presidential administration, which actually challenged Russia’s efficiency as OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair, was a reaction to the Armenian-Russian agreement prolonging the Russian military base’s presence in Armenia, Alexander Khramchikhin, Head of the Analytical Department, Institute of Political and Military Analysis, told NEWS.am.

“It was nothing but an overtly expressed discontent,” the expert said.

According to him, the statement cannot have any consequences. “After all, it is not up to Azerbaijan to decide what country is to be an OSCE Minsk Group member,” Khramchikhin said.

NEWS.am reminds readers that in his interview with the APA News AgencyNovruz Mammedov voiced Azerbaijan’s concern over the Armenian-Russian agreements prolonging the Russian military base’s presence in Armenia and enhancing its geo-strategic role. Baku is keeping track of the regional and international developments, he said. “Within the Collective Security Treaty Organization Russia and Armenia agreed on mutual military assistance. They have now renewed and enlarged it. The main noteworthy factor here is the Russia openly promised to support Armenia and tried to substantiate it,” Mammedov said.

Baku is surprised at the international community’s position. “First, the international community did not plan any specific position on the matter. A U.S. Department of State representative classified it as bilateral cooperation. We too understand it and have no intention to interfere in this bilateral cooperation,” he said. According to Mammedov, such large-scale assistance to Armenia runs counter to international norms. “Secondly, by getting neutral status, Russia is involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process within the OSCE Minsk Group. However, it is difficult to remain an impartial mediator amid such statements and support. This is the main point,” Mammedov said.