OSCE NOTES NEED TO PRESERVE NEGOTIATION INTENSITY TO RESOLVE NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Trend
Dec 2 2009
Azerbaijan

OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut noted the need to
preserve the intensity of the negotiation process to resolve the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He made the statement today during his
meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov in Athens.

The OSCE secretary general also lauded the support of mediating
countries, which have been involved in resolving the conflict.

The Azerbaijani foreign minister said Nagorno-Karabakh poses a threat
to the region’s security, stability and progressive development. The
minister noted the importance of enhancing the effectiveness of the
OSCE’s role in the conflict resolution.

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.