Nagorno-Karabakh conflict stands out as a major threat to international and regional security: Azerbaijani FM

Minister said that the need to protect each state was the main reason for creating a collective security system, with the United Nations Organization at its core.

However, unlawful use of force is still not removed from the context of international relations. The most vivid example of misconduct of norms and principles of international law is still unresolved Armenian-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, said Mammadyarov.

As a result of the aggression by Armenia almost one-fifth of the territory of Azerbaijan has been occupied, nearly 1 million ethnically cleansed Azerbaijani population has become internally displaced and refugees, thousands of Azerbaijani historical-cultural heritage were devastated and looted, the minister said.

The minister noted that the United Nations Security Council in its four resolutions on the conflict reaffirmed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and the inadmissibility of use of force for acquisition of territory of the other state.

It has also recognized Nagorno-Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan and called for immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan. The United Nations General Assembly in its resolution of 14 March 2008 also expressed respect and support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders, the minister added.

The approach of the United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly reflected in the above-mentioned resolutions is fully consistent with position of Azerbaijan, which from the beginning advocated for a step-by-step settlement of the conflict as the only viable option, Mammadyarov said.

The minister stressed that a number of important steps have to be taken, starting with the withdrawal of Armenian forces from all the occupied territories, rehabilitation of these territories and return of the internally displaced persons to their homes in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh region, opening of all communications for the mutual use.

"This will allow eliminating the consequences of the conflict and will pave the way for the establishment of durable peace and stability in the region which will be favorable to determine legal status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region within Azerbaijan", the minister said.

Mammadyarov said the current settlement process gives some hopes for breaking the stalemate in the resolution of the conflict.

"The acceptance by Armenia of the step-by-step approach to the settlement of the conflict on the basis of the principles and norms of international law is a positive sign", he said.

"Azerbaijan is ready to continue talks with Armenia's leadership for the secure and stable South Caucasus region and beyond which will allow using ample regional opportunities for the benefit of all", the minister said.

/Trend News/