“OSCE Minsk Group last years activities failed,” Richard Giragosian, the Director of the Center for National and International Studies, told the journalists on 21 July and emphasized that there are two reasons for that. The first one: the negotiations are held by Armenia and Azerbaijan, Karabakh being offside, the second: talks are secret. He is confident, the negotiations should be public, as lack of information inevitably leads to misinformation.

As to whether recently declared Madrid Principles meet Azerbaijani or Armenian interests, the expert said there are some regulations are advantageous to Armenia and some — to Azerbaijan. “I am more concerned with the fact that Armenia cannot be a strong negotiator, and more importantly is considered a weak country by international community, which is a formidable danger,” he supposes. Armenia’s weakness can be explained by two factors: first — authorities are less legitimate and popular than needed, second — the society is scattered, caused by economic and internal crisis.

Giragosian also considers that the real challenge should be expected not from Baku, but Russia, as “Russia is getting closer with Baku and tries to show US it will be more just.” “Friends’ betrayal is the most dangerous thing and Armenia should be ready to any radical turn,” the politician concluded