The five-sided statement adopted at the OSCE Summit in Astana did not contain anything new. The principles incorporated in the document were actually expected and, to an extent, acceptable to both the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides, Alexander Makarov, Director of the Armenian branch, CIS Institute, told journalists December 9.

“Of importance are the statements by the Russian President and the representative of France concerning the unacceptability of force or threats of military settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. No doubt, the statement was made to counterbalance Azerbaijan’s recent militant rhetoric. Of high importance was also the part of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s statement that Armenia will recognize Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence in case Azerbaijan launches hostilities,” the expert said.

Makarov voiced the opinion that the negotiation will go on within the current format, which is acceptable to all the sides involved. The negotiations will go on at the level of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers. “With respect to the short-term negotiations, this is the only way out. In case long-term negotiations are launched, the mediators will try to intensify the process. However, it is unclear  how it will go on and what means will be used,”  Makarov said.

Commenting on the public discussions of whether the Armenian side gained victory or suffered defeat in Astana, the expert said that such terms as “victory” or “defeat” should not be used in discussing the summit results. “The duration of some processes does not imply any victories or defeats,” he said. ‘When we speak of the official position, all the three principles are incorporated in the document. At the same time, the document does not say the Armenian side must leave the liberated territories. In such context, it is viewed as a victory we have gained,” Makarov said. He pointed out the need for being realist in politics.