A new plan on the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict might be proposed to Azerbaijan and Armenia this December at an OSCE summit in
Astana. Washington is attempting to play the role of main mediator in the negotiations. The US is concerned at the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and hopes to make both sides agree on a new "road map" to settle the conflict in the area, Ian Kelly, a representative of the USA in the OSCE, said in Brussels.
It is obvious now that the US foreign policy pays more attention to the area of "privileged interests" - Russia and post-Soviet countries. Before elections to Congress in November, Washington is trying to take the initiative in the negotiations from Russia.For the last two years Moscow played the main role as mediator in the negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. But it is not acceptablefor the Republicans; moreover they are already preparing the US return in the region. Azerbaijan is important for the States as it has lots of energy resources and is strategically located. The Republicans will not neglect such partners.However Azerbaijan is unlikely to accept a new plan of the Karabakh conflict resolution. First, the US will not be able to find a compromise for the both sides. For last 18 years the OSCE Minsk group has been trying to find a compromise but has not reached any results.Second, a new "road map' will be a good excuse for postponing of the conflict resolution for some longer time. Such a situation would be good for Armenia, but Baku is interested in the current status quo. In fact, a "road map" for the negotiation on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict already exists - the Madrid principles. The peaceful resolution should be developed on the basis of these principles. They were supported first of all by Azerbaijan. And is a new plan is accepted it will not be good for Azerbaijan.Also the US initiatives on improving bilateral relations do not work quite often. A good example could be a recent failure of Washington in the negotiations between Armenia and Turkey. Besides that Moscow has good relations with Armenia which could help Moscow to be a better mediator.
Elmira Tariverdiyeva, Baku. Exclusively for VK
