'Karabakh conflict obstacles regional development'

The courage and decisiveness of the political leaders of the conflicting parties are required to achieve progress in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, Ambassador Philippe
Lefort said at a meeting with the teaching staff of the European Studies Center at Yerevan State University, Armenia Today reported.

Stressing that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict significantly limits the development and integration of the region, Lefort expressed confidence that there are no insoluble conflicts, regardless of their degree of complexity.

In his view, the Madrid principles are a tool of resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. EU is willing to contribute to their implementation.

He also stressed the importance of a public dialogue, adding that the EU is ready to assist in this issue through the programs.

Lefort added that changing the format of OSCE Minsk Group on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can bring the entire negotiation process to nothing.

"EU role in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is being discussed in EU," he said. "The issue of changing France was discussed at the EU, but it is impossible to replace France for several reasons."

Lefort said that the deaths of people as a result of snipers' shots are a tragedy.

He added that the EU is trying to help improve the situation taking into account the negotiations in Georgia. He recalled that at present, Ireland, having experience in resolving a difficult conflict, presides in OSCE.

"But the main thing is that the parties must realize that this situation can not be continued," he said. "It is impossible to live in constant threat of renewed war."

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 per cent 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 US - are currently holding peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.


/Trend/