Change in the OSCE Minsk Group (MG): Philip Reeker has been appointed US representative in the Caucasus negotiations. Armenian International Studies expert Suren Sargsyan wrote this on Facebook.

"The newly appointed ambassador will not only be the [US] co-chair of the MG, but will also work in the format of the Geneva International Discussions as a US representative. That is, he will coordinate the entire American diplomatic work in all conflicts in the South Caucasus.

In general, American interests in the South Caucasus are mostly not in the context of deepening bilateral relations with the three states [in this region], but of a broader regional nature. That is, the US is interested in the region and is in competition with regional players.

The South Caucasus is geographically located next to Iran, a longtime rival of the US, next to Turkey, a strategic ally [of US] and a key member of NATO, as well as next to Russia, its [i.e., the US] historical rival and main adversary. This explains it all.

And this appointment directly confirms the above-mentioned," Suren Sargsyan added.