LONG STAY OF SETTLERS IN NAGORNO KARABAKH CONTROLLED TERRITORIES TO
SERIOUSLY COMPLICATE NAGORNO KARABAKH PEACE PROCESS

YEREVAN, MARCH 18. ARMINFO. The OSCE Minsk Group Fact-Finding Mission
says in its conclusions from a visit to the territories controlled by
Nagorno Karabakh that although most settlers interview by the FFM
expressed a desire to return to the areas from which they fled it is
clear that the longer they remain in the controlled territories the
deeper their roots and attachments to their present places of
residence will become.

Prolonged continuation of this situation could leader to a fait
accompli that would seriously complicate the peace process.

In most areas examined except Lachin settlers were found living in
miserable and isolated conditions, In this respect their situation is
comparable to that of many persons dislocated by the conflict.
Considering also the appalling conditions of the refugees and IDPs on
the Azerbaijan side the situation in the occupied territories should
also be seen in humanitarian terms as an additional factor motivating
efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement., Prolonged lack of
resolution of the conflict hampers economic development and impedes
the possibility of improving living conditions for all its victims.

In conclusion the co-chairs appreciate the cooperation extended by the
governments of Azerbaijan and Armenia as well as by the NK authorities
before and during the work do the mission.