THERE IS CERTAIN PROGRESS IN RESOLUTION OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT: ASSISTANT U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE

Trend
June 11 2009
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, June 11 /Trend News, E. Ostapenko/ "I believe that
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be resolved, there is certain
progress," Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia
Philip Gordon said.

He said the sides have understanding on Basic Principles on resolution
of conflict.

"The United States is focused on the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. There
is opportunity to advance conflict’s resolution. All sides can benefit
from it," he said.

The U.S. supports constructive dialogue between sides of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Gordon said.

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 The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries OSCE Minsk
Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. – are currently holding the
peace negotiations.

As a part of regional visit, Gordon visited Azerbaijan and held talks
with country’s officials.

Assistant U.S. Secretary of State visited Armenia and Georgia
before arriving in Baku. This is Gordon’s first visit to the region
since he assumed office on May 15. Previously he served as senior
fellow for U.S. and Europe foreign policy at Brookings Institute in
Washington. Earlier he was responsible for European Affairs at the
U.S. National Security Council.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress