Trend, Azerbaijan
Jan 22 2010

Ali Hasanov: Russia, America and France are more active in Nagorno-Karabakh

Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 22 / Trend News E. Tariverdiyeva /

Over the past two years Russia, America and France have been more
active in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, said Ali
Hasanov, Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration Socio-Political
Department head.

However, the pressure on Yerevan is not enough, he said.

"Without pressure it is difficult to make Armenia withdraw from the
unconstructive stance in the negotiations on the settlement of the
conflict," Hasanov 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 seven 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.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. General Assembly’s
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the
occupied territories.