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    Categories: 2023

US calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to seize ‘historic’ chance for peace in Nagorno-Karabakh

South China Morning Post
Feb 18 2023

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to seize a “historic opportunity” to end their decades-long dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

The two countries have fought two wars for control of Azerbaijan’s Armenian-populated enclave that have claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Internationally mediated peace talks between the ex-Soviet republics have since produced little, if any, result.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to seize a “historic opportunity” to end their decades-long dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

The two countries have fought two wars for control of Azerbaijan’s Armenian-populated enclave that have claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Internationally mediated peace talks between the ex-Soviet republics have since produced little, if any, result.

Since mid-December, a group of self-styled Azerbaijani environmental activists has barred the only road linking Karabakh to Armenia to protest what they say is illegal mining.

In a statement after the meeting in Munich, Pashinyan’s office confirmed that the draft peace treaty had been discussed.

“Pashinyan reaffirmed the determination of the Armenian side to achieve a treaty that will truly guarantee long-term peace and stability in the region,” his office said.

However, he had also denounced “Azerbaijan’s illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the resulting humanitarian, environmental and energy crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh”, the statement said.

Aliyev told journalists after the meeting that it had taken place “in a constructive manner”, and he was “studying” the Armenian proposals, according to the RIA Novosti news agency.

“At first sight, there is progress regarding Armenia’s position, but it is not enough,” he said.

Andranik Taslakhchian: