euronews, France
Nov 2 2008

Russia hosts Nagorno-Karabakh talks

At talks near Moscow, the presidents of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan
have signed a declaration of understanding on the breakaway region of
Nagorno-Karabakh. The leaders have vowed to resolve the conflict on
the region through `peaceful means’.

The territory’s mostly ethnic Armenian population broke away from
Azerbaijan in a war in the early 1990s. They now run their own
affairs, with support from Armenia. Along with France and the US,
Russia is part of what is known as the Minsk Group, which has been
trying to mediate in the conflict.

But observers say it is unusual for Moscow to act directly as
mediator, and is clearly trying to assert its influence in the
Caucasus. About 35,000 people have been killed in the conflict, with
more than a million forced from their homes.