OSCE Budapest Summit Addresses Karabakh Conflict

WarEcho Team news

OSCE summit establishes co-chair mechanism for Minsk Group and discusses peacekeeping force for Nagorno-Karabakh

The OSCE Budapest Summit addressed the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, establishing new diplomatic mechanisms and discussing deployment of a multinational peacekeeping force.

Summit Decisions

Key outcomes:

  • Minsk Group co-chairmanship created
  • Peacekeeping planning authorized
  • Political settlement principles
  • Increased mediation efforts

Co-Chair Structure

New format established:

  • Replace single chair
  • Russia prominent role
  • Later: Russia, US, France
  • Balance competing interests

Peacekeeping Plans

Proposed force:

  • 3,000-4,000 troops
  • Multinational composition
  • Monitor ceasefire line
  • Facilitate negotiations

Why not deployed:

  • No peace agreement
  • Mandate disputes
  • Funding issues
  • Regional rivalries

Political Principles

Summit endorsed:

  • Territorial integrity
  • Self-determination rights
  • Security guarantees
  • Refugee return
  • Phased approach

Conflicting Interpretations

Azerbaijan: Territorial integrity primary Armenia: Self-determination paramount Result: Diplomatic deadlock

Russian Factor

  • Sought dominant role
  • Peacekeeping ambitions
  • Regional hegemony
  • Western concerns

Limited Progress

Despite summit:

  • No breakthrough
  • Positions hardened
  • Ceasefire held
  • Process continued

Legacy

Budapest Summit:

  • Formalized mediation
  • Created frameworks
  • Failed to resolve
  • Set long-term pattern
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