Azerbaijani FM points out major problem in Karabakh conflict resolution

It is necessary to clean the table of negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement off issues which can hamper the peace and stability in the region, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said in an interview with France24 within his visit to France.

"The most problematic issue for the conflict resolution is the presence of Armenian troops on the occupied Azerbaijani territories," he added.

"No one recognizes the so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic", including Armenians themselves," he said. "The UN Security Council which is the major body for the international security adopted four resolutions with regard to the conflict and all four resolutions clearly indicate that Nagorno-Karabakh is Azerbaijan's territory."

"Azerbaijan considers Armenians who are still living in Nagorno-Karabakh as citizens of Azerbaijan," he said.

"Withdrawing of the Armenian armed forces from occupied Azerbaijani territories can create conditions to open the communications, return IDPs home and reduce the tension," he 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 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 U.S. 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/