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Azerbaijani authorities have decided to limit the OSCE mission in Baku, the Azerbaijani news agency Turan says. As the article reads, on March 14, the U.S. permanent representative to the OSCE Gary Robbins made a statement at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna. He announced about the plans of the official Baku to limit the powers the OSCE mission in Baku, a source in the OSCE told the news agency.

"We have received a request from the Government of Azerbaijan to change the mandate of the OSCE Office in Baku," he said and noted that the current mandate of the Office in Baku was updated in early 2013 and it was given the task to "promote the principles and commitments of the OSCE in all areas, including political, economic, human and environmental aspects, as well as stability and security issues."

Further, according to the source, Robins noted that the mission in Baku is of a great importance in supporting Azerbaijan in the development of democratic institutions.

Reports on political issues and human rights are important prevention mechanisms and a contribution to the OSCE's role on the prevention and resolution of conflicts. Contemporary reports help to be aware of the possible escalation of tensions in the region. U.S. says such reports are vital for the stability and security assistance to Azerbaijan in fulfilling its obligations, the article says.

"We believe that maintaining the current authorities’ previously agreed mandate is in the interests of the Azerbaijani government. U.S. values its close collaboration with the Government of Azerbaijan and building a strong democracy and civil society," noted Robins.

As Turan notes, Baku has not yet commented on this statement and the Azerbaijani authorities have not reported such appeal to the OSCE. However, according to diplomatic sources, it is about the reduction of the status of OSCE Mission to the level of the project Coordinator. The most important change is that the future Project Coordinator will coordinate all projects with the Azerbaijani authorities and will implement them with the consent of the official Baku.

"We can assume that the authorities want rationalization of the mission and limitation of its powers. First of all, these restrictions apply to opportunities of the OSCE mission to conduct independent activities to respond to events and processes related to elections, violations of human rights and democracy. It also speaks of the concern of the authorities to avoid direct cooperation between the OSCE and local NGOs. In an election year it could mean no-entry for the OSCE ODIHR observation mission," Turan writes.