One of the most important duties and priorities to our foreign policy is to achieve the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem in the framework of norms of international law. This task is directly related also to the national security policy of Azerbaijan. But double standard to the problem from some states disturbs Azerbaijan and at the same time does not meet its national interests. Particularly unfair approach of OSCE has delayed the solution of the problem.

The joint meeting of the Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian presidents in Sochi on August 10, 2014 is assessed as a beginning of a new phase in the solution of the conflict. The meeting was of special significance specially for stopping the Armenian diversions intensified in the last days, reaching a common consent of the parties.

Organized by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the meeting analyzed the real situation and offered new ways to the solution of the conflict. Stressing the international formats to the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the President of Russia said the conflict must be settled peacefully. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev mentioned despite the legal base for the solution of the conflict occupant Armenia does not quit its destructive policy, ignoring the 4 resolutions of the UN Security Council. He expressed confidence the meeting with participation of President Vladimir Putin will be a new step towards the settlement of the conflict. As an outcome of the meeting Presidents Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Serj Sarkisyan of Armenia expressed intent to continue dialogue for the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. The Armenian President found this step hopeful as it is more desirable for him. Also this attitude of Sarkisyan aimed at forming a “humanist” image of the country. This clearly showed the contradiction between speech and action of the President of Armenia. The head of the state, breaking the ceasefire regime every day, killing civilians, including children, condemns the use of force.In general, denying the reality of war, the Sochi meeting once again confirmed the thesis of the possibility of the solution to the conflict via talks only. As the negotiations have no prospect, the conflict, lasting for more than 20 years, remains unsettled. To achieve the resolution soon, the Minsk group members need to give up personal interests, work on a new or changed plan of proposals.

Naila Mammadova
Azerbaijan Realities