The discussion held during the Moscow summit generally followed the “Madrid principles,” which were applied to the Karabakh situation by mediators in 2007. These principles emphasize the right of the concerned populations to self-determination. This concept would propose that the residents of the region vote by referendum on whether they would like to be a part of the Azerbaijani or Armenian state. Though Azerbaijani officials may fear that they would lose control of the region in the case of a referendum, this solution would ensure self-determination, a principle supported by the United Nations Charter.

Though the Moscow summit did not bring about an immediate solution to the problem of governance in Karabakh, it was a success for the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The OSCE gives the responsibility of coaching Armenia and Georgia through this negotiation process to the United States, Russia, and France. Russia’s assertive role in hosting the Moscow summit reflects positively on the efficacy of the OSCE and bodes well for its success in resolving the Karabakh conflict. With continued communication between states , increased trust and trade, and further support from international institutions, Armenia and Azerbaijan will be able to reach an agreement in the near future.