| 英文摘要 |
The Karabakh conflict is one of three regional conflicts that have not yet been resolved in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (hence OSCE) region since the end of the Cold War. Due to its prolonged duration, the Karabakh conflict has been called a ''frozen conflict''. However, the Karabakh conflict is not actually ''frozen'' as has been described because it has caused casualties more often than not. In April 2016, the most severe armed conflicts beyween Armenia and Azerbaijan took place, resulting in the most casualties since the 1994 cease fire agreement. The OSCE, the European Union, Russia and the United States have called both parties involved to comply with the cease fire agreement. The OSCE is the main actor to mediate between the conflicting parties, and the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group are the primary mediators. Nonetheless, after more than twenty years of efforts in promoting mediation, the OSCE has made little progress. This paper first analyzes the origins and development of the Karabakh conflict and then explores the corresponding countermeasures adopted by the international organizations (the United Nation, the OSCE and EU) and the countries surrounding the south Caucasus (Russia, Turkey, and Iran) and their relationships with the parties involved in the conflict. Third, the difficulties of reaching a final settlement will also be discussed. The paper ends with a conclusion. |