OUR EFFORTS CONTRIBUTED TO STABILITY BETWEEN AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA: STEINBERG
news.am
Dec 2 2009
Armenia
Our efforts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through the Minsk
process have greatly contributed to the stability between Azerbaijan
and Armenia," said Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg at the
17th OSCE Ministerial Council in Athens.
Speaking about numerous challenges that OSCE is still confronted with,
Steinberg underlined, "As one of the co-chairs of the Minsk group,
the US has committed to seeking a final settlement to the conflict that
will ensure long term stability and economic growth in the region."
However, according to Deputy Secretary, Georgian conflict is one of
the "most pressing challenges." "We expect all parties to fulfill
their commitments under the August 12th ceasefire agreement which
calls for the withdrawal of Russian forces to positions prior to
the start of hostilities and for unhindered humanitarian access,"
Steinberg stated, adding that "core OSCE principles and commitments
were violated. We must restore trust and rebuild confidence."
"Lessons from the war in Georgia and constructive discussions through
the Corfu process have encouraged us to take this initiative to propose
a new crisis intervention mechanism. I hope that you’ll all review
this and help shape this proposal while continuing to work on the
ongoing conflicts not only in Nagorno-Karabakh but also in Moldova,"
Steinberg concluded.