OSCE OFFICIAL CITES "GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY" TO SETTLE GARABAGH CONFLICT

AzerNews
July 2 2008
Azerbaijan

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Goran Lennmarker has cited
"a golden opportunity" to settle the long-standing Armenia-Azerbaijan
Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh dispute.

Lennmarker, who also acts as rapporteur on the conflict, told
the group’s summer session under way in Astana, Kazakhstan it was
disappointing that this chance has not been used so far to sign a
peace accord.

"Ways of resolving the conflict have been sought for several years. A
good opportunity has now emerged to do so," the diplomat said.

He emphasized that if the option currently offered to the conflicting
sides is accepted, this will facilitate restoring relations between
Azerbaijan and Armenia.

"Both countries presently have a good chance to change the status quo
and to further the settlement process. If they have political will,
it is possible to sign an agreement."

Lennmarker said a resumption of military action in the region was
absolutely unacceptable and all means at the disposal should be
availed of to avert a war threat. "I don’t even want to think about
this happening," he added.