Trend, Azerbaijan
Nov 21 2009

Prospects for resolving Nagorno-Karabakh better than ever: British expert

Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 20 / Trend News E.Ostapenko /

The situation with Nagorno-Karabakh is more positive now than at any
time since the start of the conflict, International Institute for
Strategic Studies Senior Fellow Oksana Antonenko said today at the
"South Caucasus Security: Realities and Perspectives of Regional
Cooperation" international conference in Baku. Intensified meetings
between the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents testifies to this
fact, she added.

The expert said if the chances of resolving the conflict in Georgia
are thin, there is clear progress in resolving Nagorno-Karabakh.

The OSCE Minsk Group has become more active lately and is paving the
way to strengthening trust between the two nations, Antonenko said.

The expert added that Azerbaijan’s concerns over the protocols signed
between Armenia and Turkey are well grounded.

Antonenko added that the country is also worried that today’s progress
may collapse and bring the talks back to earlier levels.

"The EU should lay out a concrete plan to advance the negotiations
process," she said. "The plan should include proposals on how to reach
a dialogue between the Azerbaijani and Armenian societies and how to
achieve the return of refugees."

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.