Russia is against changing the format of the OSCE Minsk Group and considers the attempts to undermine its role as counterproductive.

The Permanent Representative of Russia to OSCE, Alexander Lukashevich, stated the aforementioned at the session of the organization’s Permanent Council, TASS reports.

“The “troika” format, whose role is enshrined in the decisions of the OSCE and the UN Security Council, is efficient and doesn’t require modifications,” he stressed.

“We consider the attempts to undermine the role of Co-Chairs and their ongoing work as counterproductive. This can only [further] complicate the already complicated processes of normalization,” the Russian diplomat added.

“We are sure that Troika of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs is demanded in advancing a compromise solution, but the efficiency of these negotiation attempts first of all depends on the parties to the conflict themselves and on the presence of their political will, which is necessary to achieve normalization of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict at a bargaining table,” Lukashevich said. He also stressed that “in any case the use of force cannot be considered as an alternative to peaceful dialogue.”

“I would like to reiterate that as a participant of the OSCE Minsk Group Troika and in close cooperation with the U.S. and France, we will continue our mediation efforts aimed at supporting the sides towards working out a mutually beneficial basis for the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” he concluded. 

In representative’s words, the Minsk Group Co-Chairs are currently holding “consultations on urgent measures to restore stability in the region and find ways to activate negotiation process on the peaceful settlement of the conflict on the basis of the already prepared complex of agreements.”

“We share complete perception with our partners that the necessity to contribute to peace and stability in the region is a key condition to continuing efficient conflict normalization,” Lukashevich said.