Nagorno Karabakh conflict will be solved in the framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, OSCE Chairman-in-Office says
Azeri Press Agency
Feb 28 2008
Azerbaijan

Baku. Lachin Sultanova – APA. The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish
Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva stated while meeting with Azerbaijani
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
will be solved in the framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

Elmar Mammadyarov told the briefing about it, APA reports. The minister
said that along with the Nagorno Karabakh conflict they discussed the
presidential elections that will be held in Azerbaijan in autumn. The
minister assured the visitor that the elections will be free and
democratic. Ilkka Kanerva said he had open and efficient discussions
with Elmar Mammadyarov on the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict
and the forthcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan.

"We will continue to support the negotiations carried out in the
framework of OSCE Minsk Group. This is the main priority for me and
I believe that OSCE will achieve the solution to the problem," he said.

Ilkka Kanerva said the political will demonstrated by both
Azerbaijani and Armenian authorities for continuing the negotiations
is commendable.

"OSCE will support any conclusion reached by Azerbaijani and Armenian
presidents," he said.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office underlined that holding free and democratic
elections is also a very important factor.

"Free and fair elections should be ensured. It is of great importance
in terms of our future and respect to European values," he said.

Asked whether he had discussions about the imprisoned journalists
in Baku Ilkka Kanerva said the issue has not been discussed, as
it is not in his competence. Expressing his regret at the arrest of
journalists the OSCE Chairman-in-Office said the existence and activity
of free media is a very important element for all open societies and
democratic states.