SOLUTION OF THE NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT PRESUMES A CLOSE AND CONTINUOUS INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION, SAYS ESTONIAN PRESIDENT

Trend News Agency
Jan 8 2009
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 8 /Trend News, E.Tariverdiyeva/ The solution
of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict presumes a close and continuous
international co-operation and patience from all involved parties,
as well as the skill and the resolution to find compromises, Estonian
President Toomas Hendrik Ilves told Trend News on the threshold of
his visit to Azerbaijan scheduled for Jan. 12.

"Both Estonia and Azerbaijan understand that a conflict of this
nature is always a threat to the security and stability of the whole
region. Estonia is firmly convinced that the solution of this kind
of conflicts – a future-oriented solution that would stand the wear
of time – must be found by diplomats and politicians in the form
of negotiations, and not by the military in a theatre of war. I am
truly pleased to see that the current administration of Azerbaijan
says the same," said the President.

According to Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Estonia supports the work of the
Co-Chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group – the US, France and Russia –
and welcome the declaration for the peaceful solution of the conflict
signed by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia on 2 November 2008.

" Estonia is active here also through the EU, as the Neighbourhood
Policy Action Plans of both Azerbaijan and Armenia include in them
assistance in the conflict," he said.

The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began
in 1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since
1992, Armenian Armed Forces have occupied 20% of Azerbaijan including
the Nagorno-Karabakh region and its seven surrounding districts. In
1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which
time the active hostilities ended. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk
Group ( Russia, France, and the U.S.) are currently holding peaceful
negotiations.