GORAN LENNMARKER: "THE BORDER BETWEEN ARMENIA AND TURKEY WILL SOON OPEN"
Today.Az
tics/49433.html
Dec 5 2008
Azerbaijan
"2008 was a good year in the sense of the resolution of the Karabakh
conflict. I have often recalled the so-called golden opportunity,
and after today’s meeting it seems to me that the work on the basic
principles will complete next spring and them it will be possible to
work at the agreement. But everything certainly depends on the will
of the parties", said special rapporteur of the OSCE Parliamentary
Assembly on South Ossetia and Nagorno Karabakh Goran Lennmarker in
the interval of the session of the Foreign ministers of the OSCE
member-states.
"There are moments that can be settled and there are still differences
but I believe that the sides can resolve them. I have today met with
Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan. My message to him was that the process
must proceed and complete as soon as possible. Certainly, this is
difficult, but it seems to me that today it is time to decide, though
it may be a difficult decision as it is related to your country. Today
the resolution of the Karabakh conflict is important, as your region
is not stable.
Commenting on the Turkish mediation in the conflict, Lennmarker noted
that this is a good initiative and it is good not only for Azerbaijan
but also for Armenia. Lennmarker voiced hope that the border between
Armenia and Turkey will open soon.
Lennmarker also noted that the financial crisis is observed in the
world and this certainly affects the Caucasus: "In this situation
the region must unite and be friends. It is one of those European
experiences, which could be useful for you".
Lennmarker also announced that he plans to visit the region in
February.