Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

Recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict area showed the necessity to change the status-quo to find a solution to the protracted problem.

The Armenian-staged provocation made the international community think in depth about the real threat that exists in the region.

The Karabakh conflict has stretched on for many years due to the fault of Armenia and some have forgotten that this is the real war that is not over. So, could erupt at any moment, as it happened on April 2.

Armenia violated the ceasefire all of a sudden and even Yerevan has periodically arranged provocations on the contact line of troops before, the recent escalation was the unprecedented act of violence.

Now many organizations and decision makers accept that the status quo, which Armenia is keen to preserve, is categorically unacceptable in this situation.

Federica Mogherini, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, believes that events in Nagorno-Karabakh are a reminder how dangerous a protracted conflict can be.

Addressing a plenary session of the European Parliament held in Strasbourg on April 12, Mogherini said a large scale conflict is not in the interest of anyone and can lead to nowhere.

"Everyone now understands that status quo can only lead to more violence and this is exactly what happened. Let us not underestimate dangers of this conflict, let us turn current situation into an opportunity towards peace," she stressed, adding that the EU is increasing its efforts towards a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

"It [the conflict] continues to pose a threat to regional security in our neighborhood, and it is an obstacle towards development of both countries and of the entire region. South Caucasus is a crucial region for Europe, it lies on the crossroads between Europe, Asia and the Middle East," she concluded.

The German Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Frank-Walter Steinmeier also believes that the existing status quo is unacceptable.

There is a need to hold serious talks aimed at solving the crisis in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, he said in his interview with the local media. Steinmeier then welcomed the armistice between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but at the same time he emphasized that the existing status quo cannot provide security.

With its wrong policy Armenia has driven itself into a corner. After the escalation of the conflict Yerevan was surprised that no one - neither Russia nor the Western countries are going to defend its interests.

And now, when international organizations and numerous officials have stepped up their efforts to resolve the conflict, Yerevan will fail to explain its refusal to comply with the terms for the settlement of the prolonged conflict.

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Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova

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