On September 1, the OSCE Ministerial Council adopted a decision on the closure of the OSCE Minsk Process and its related structures. The decision to close the Minsk Process was unanimously adopted by all 57 member states of the organization. According to the decision, all previous decisions adopted within the OSCE framework regarding the former Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict are considered null and void.
The editorial presents an article from "Kaspi" newspaper on the topic:
The nightmare of anti-Azerbaijani forces
It should be noted that as a result of the 44-day war in 2020 and the anti-terrorist measures carried out in 2023, Azerbaijan fully restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Karabakh conflict has been resolved once and for all. Even in light of the new realities created after the Patriotic War, it was clear that the activities of the former Minsk Group no longer held any significance. Although official Baku consistently raised the issue of the Minsk Group's dissolution over the years, the co-chair countries, and most importantly Armenia, created artificial obstacles to the adoption of this decision, putting forward various pretexts. This was because the resolution of the conflict meant the combination of a strong and unified Azerbaijan with a fully independent political course, which was the biggest nightmare for international circles seeking to implement their insidious plans in the South Caucasus.
The agreement forcing pro-Armenian forces to retreat
However, President Ilham Aliyev's consistent and resolute policy and diplomatic moves played a significant role in the logical conclusion of the new reality – the necessity of dissolving the Minsk Group. Three years ago, Azerbaijan and Armenia's declaration of mutual recognition of each other's territorial integrity was the initial message that the Nagorno-Karabakh problem had been resolved once and for all. Nevertheless, under the influence of the Armenian lobby, especially with the former leadership of France and the US, Yerevan was creating grounds to oppose the demand for the dissolution of the Minsk Group. The realities created by official Baku's military-political victory, as well as significant changes in the international arena, particularly the election of Donald Trump as US President, played a decisive role in this matter. It was precisely at the direct initiative of the White House leader that the historic agreements signed in Washington put those opposing the dissolution of the Minsk Group, including Yerevan, before a fait accompli. It is no coincidence that after the initialing of the peace text in Washington and the joint appeal of Azerbaijan and Armenia to the OSCE, France, which had been known for its destructive activities in the South Caucasus for many years, immediately issued a statement supporting this initiative. After a short wait, Russia also adopted a similar approach.
Baku will continue its consistent position
Thus, as emphasized in the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the adoption of the said decision is an indicator of the Republic of Azerbaijan's restoration of sovereign control and territorial integrity over its formerly occupied territories, thereby ending the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, and the international acceptance of the reality and the peace agenda put forward by Azerbaijan. This decision is also an important step towards the practical implementation of the agreements reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia regarding the normalization process at the Washington meeting on August 8. Azerbaijan will continue its principled and consistent position based on international law towards strengthening peace and stability in the region.
A heavy blow to revanchists
This magnificent diplomatic victory achieved by Azerbaijan definitively neutralized the use of the Nagorno-Karabakh card as a pressure tool against Baku. It also confirms that documents reflecting the "principles" of Madrid, Kazan, Key West, etc., which revanchist forces in Yerevan waved as their banner, no longer hold any legal force.
International reaction
International reactions to the adopted decision can also be evaluated as an indication of full support for official Baku's position. For example, OSCE PA President Pere Joan Pons welcomed the OSCE Ministerial Council's decision to close the Minsk Process. "This historic step, based on dialogue, strengthens the path to lasting peace in the South Caucasus. We will continue to support this process," emphasized the OSCE PA President.
The reaction of OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, to the decision to dissolve the Minsk Group is also commendable. "I would like to once again congratulate Armenia and Azerbaijan on the historic agreements aimed at peace and normalization of relations, and their decision to immediately begin their implementation. I immediately responded to their joint appeal and sincerely thank the parties for the excellent cooperation in the process," E. Valtonen stated.
The Russian side also considers the decision to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group justified. "We consider this step justified, it is based on the fundamental change in the situation in the region," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
As can be seen, the Minsk Group, which for 30 years tried to legitimize the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by giving it a legal guise, no longer exists. Ahead, another prospective reality created by President Ilham Aliyev's farsighted policy awaits us – the signing of a peace agreement and the opening of the Zangazur corridor. The demands that Yerevan must fulfill for this are also known.