The risks of EU mediation in the Karabakh settlement issue are not so great, Vladimir Kazimirov, the former co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group from Russia, told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

According to the former co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the role of Russia as a mediator is obvious and natural.

He recalled that both Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia have existed for decades within the framework of one single state.

“But, even without taking into account this fact, Russia is still much closer than some Western countries. It is closer, at least geographically. It is obvious. Both the first and second wars in Karabakh clearly demonstrated that Russia plays a decisive role in the search for a final settlement of the conflict. The settlement was difficult during the Second Karabakh War. However, it is hard to imagine that any other country could assume such a responsibility,” Kazimirov said.