Members of Nizami Ganjavi Int'l Center extend condolences to President Aliyev

By  Trend

Members of Nizami Ganjavi International Center Rosen Plevneliev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria in 2012-2017, Rexhep Meidani, President of the Republic of Albania in 1997-2002, Valdis Zatlers, President of the Republic of Latvia in 2007-2011, extended condolences to Ilham Aliyev.

"With sorrow we heard about the recent shelling and killing, especially of an innocent toddler in Nagorno-Karabakh and the casualties incurred bringing about unexpected escalation of your conflict.

On behalf of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, we express our condolences and also deep concern for the situation at hand. Despite a ceasefire reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan back in 1994 following the Nagorno-Karabakh war, Azerbaijani civilians, including children, still become the victims of Armenian aggression. These attacks against the Azerbaijani civilian population and civilian objects constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian and human rights law,” the message reads.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center members also voiced readiness to provide support in form of expertise and combined experience, if so required and useful to a lasting and peaceful settlement.

“Even and especially in situations like this dialogue at all levels is needed. We are ready to support you in this endeavor.

Along with our sympathy, please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of our highest respect and consideration,” they said.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

The Minsk Group, the activities of which have become known as the Minsk Process, spearheads the OSCE's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is co-chaired by France, the Russian Federation, and the United States. Although the OSCE Minsk Group deals with the issue for over two decades, its activities have brought no breakthrough results so far.