INTENSIFIED EFFORTS BY RUSSIA, TURKEY, U.S. TO HAVE POSITIVE IMPACT ON RESOLUTION OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT: FORMER MINISTER
Trend
May 5 2009
Azerbaijan
Turkey’s Former Foreign Minister says the recently intensified
efforts by Russia, Turkey and U.S. will have a positive impact on
the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"I have noticed interest in the resolution of the problem recently. The
problem will be solved with the mediation of the U.S., Russia and
Turkey and international organizations," former Turkish Foreign
Minister Hikmet Chetin told reporters.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed
forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including
the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts. Azerbaijan
and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of
the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. – are currently
holding the peace negotiations.
Chetin said the Minsk Group has not made an important step towards
the resolution of the conflict yet. "I think this problem can be
solved via Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue."
"Azerbaijani President will meet with the Armenian President in
Prague. Foreign ministers will meet in Washington. I believe these
meetings will impact resolution of the conflict," he added.
He said non-resolution of the conflict has affected Armenia most of
all thus far.
"Armenia is left aside of some economic projects in the
region. Resolution of this problem is very important for entire region
and specifically Armenia. Armenian officials must realize it," he said.
Chetin said Russia’s mediation is also needed to solve the problem. "I
see positive changes in Russia’s foreign policy regarding resolution
of the conflict. I think Russia will take a positive step to resolve
the conflict," former foreign minister added.
Chetin said Turkey will never adopt a decision contradicting
Azerbaijan’s interests. "There was some misunderstanding on this
issue. We assure our Azerbaijan brothers that Turkey will never take
a step to detriment of Azerbaijan’s interests."