International organization disbands committee focused on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution
The Minsk Group, a peacekeeping initiative co-led by the United States, Russia, and France for over three decades, has taken a significant step towards dissolution. This decision, made in discussions hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Aug. 8, has led to the closure of the Minsk Group, a move that is seen as a milestone in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
The initialing, but not the formal signing, of a draft treaty between South Caucasus nations was a result of this concession. The foreign ministers of both nations jointly requested the OSCE to disband the Minsk Group following these discussions. The OSCE has since announced that all 57 member states have agreed to close the Minsk process and its associated structures.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry views this closure as a transition to a new phase in the resolution of the conflict. Azerbaijan has reasserted control over its territories, thereby strengthening its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This development comes after Armenia previously insisted that the dissolution of the Minsk Group should coincide with the signing of an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan waived the requirement for a peace treaty before the dissolution, during the discussions with President Trump. This decision was met with satisfaction by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, which considers the closure as a significant step in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry emphasizes that the closure marks a transition to a new phase in the resolution of the conflict. The formal closure of the Minsk Group is set to be completed by Dec. 1.
Elina Valtonen, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, has congratulated Armenia and Azerbaijan for their historic agreements on peace and the normalization of relations. The statement from the OSCE highlights the importance of these agreements, marking a significant milestone in the peace process between the two nations.
The closure of the Minsk Group is seen as a testament to the progress made in the peace process, and a sign of hope for a lasting resolution to the long-standing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As the parties involved move forward, the international community will be watching closely to see how this new phase unfolds.
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