Shavarsh Kocharyan: That will be a slap in the face of the UN Security Council (video)
Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia, Shavarsh Kocharyan, cannot say why U.S. diplomat James Warlick has decided to leave the post of OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair and work for a Russian law firm. “I cannot comment on his decision until I see his future activities.” “I will be a Partner in Russia's largest and most prestigious law firm. I will step down as OSCE Co-Chair on December 31. It has been an honor to serve in the StateDept for more than 30 years,” Mr Warlick tweeted. When reminded that a month ago France also replaced its chief negotiator in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, the Armenian official said ‘it does not mean anything.’ They are appointed to their posts to carry out the policy of their states. “The mere fact of change does not mean that the new co-chair will start from scratch. Naturally, he gets acquainted with the state of things before assuming his new responsibilities.” Mr. Kocharyan does not expect drastic changes in the Karabakh issue even after Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential elections although he says the president’s powers differ from those of the U.S. Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group. “Here, there might be some changes in this or that direction,” the Armenian diplomat said. Shavarsh Kocharyan adds that there will be no breakthrough in the Karabakh peace negotiations as long as there is a possibility of resumption of war. “I am almost certain that if it happens the consequences will be much more serious for Azerbaijan,” Mr. Kocharyan stressed. The three Co-Chairs represent member states of the United Nations Security Council the mission of which is to prevent resumption or escalation of the conflict. “It means that if they act as mediators in this conflict and allow escalation of military operations, it will be a slap in the face of the UN Security Council,” the Deputy Foreign Minister said. Speaking about the efficiency of the negotiations, he said that there is no progress in the talks.
