On October 21-27, the OSCE, at the invitation of the Armenian government, will send a team of international experts and representatives of the secretariat to Armenia to assess the situation in several regions on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. This step is perceived ambiguously in Azerbaijani society and it is believed that such a step on the part of the OSCE will not contribute to the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. On the other hand, if a European Union mission is sent to the region, then what is the need for an OSCE team that will assess the situation in some border areas? After all, it is known that for 30 years, the OSCE has practically imitated activities for a "peaceful settlement" of the conflict and has never sent missions to the occupied territories. Also, this organization has been "engaged" in the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine since 2014. As a result, there is a war going on in Eastern Europe today.
In this regard, political scientist Ilgar Valizade told Report that the OSCE cannot take steps regarding the region without prior agreement with Azerbaijan.
He stressed that Azerbaijan is also a member of the OSCE:
"And this means that the OSCE, unlike the CSTO, when taking steps to assess the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, must obtain our permission. This institute cannot make decisions without consulting with Azerbaijan. This is contrary to the principle of the OSCE. The OSCE mission would be legitimate if the decision to create it would be made after consultations with both sides."
According to the political scientist, Armenia is trying to create a show with such missions:
"Official Yerevan is trying to form an opinion among the international community that Baku is an occupier. Through such steps, Armenia is trying in some way to influence the opinion of the international community. The OSCE has not yet made an official statement in connection with this mission. I think that no international organization, including the OSCE, should be a toy in the hands of Armenia."
In Ilgar Valizade's opinion, one should not expect any positive results from the OSCE team sent to Armenia.