OSCE MUST KEEP ITS KEY ROLE IN RESOLUTION OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT: UN UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL

Trend
Nov 13 2009
Azerbaijan

The OSCE must remain in its key role in South Caucasus,
especially when it comes to the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process,
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency
Relief Coordinator John Holmes believes.

"I think that the defrosting of any protracted negotiations is not
easy, but some revival concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh was noticed
recently and this is making us optimistic," he added.

Holmes expressed support to all the tactics and principles proposed
by OSCE Minsk Group. According to the top UN official, OSCE Minsk
process should come to some fruitarian. "Though this process will
be difficult for both Azerbaijan and Armenia, settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is in the interests of both sides," he 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 OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. –
are currently holding the peace negotiations.