Withdrawal of Armenian troops from occupied Azerbaijani territories in limited timeframe could be key to resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: FM

“Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno Karabakh still remains a main source of unstable development in the region and obstacle to its integration into Europe,” Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said in his speech at the 17th meeting of OSCE Ministerial Council.

The minister said 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s territories are under the occupation, one million Azerbaijanis have become refuges and IDPs, cultural and historical monuments have been destroyed as a result of the conflict.

The minister noted that this year the negotiations on peaceful solution of the conflict were intensified which further deepened discussions over the outstanding matters.

“I’d like to note a positive dynamics in the last negotiations. Along with the parties, the co-chairs also demonstrate activity. Azerbaijan pursues a constructive policy aimed at establishing normal relations between Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of Nagorno Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. The relations to be established between the communities would will help normalize relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, too,” the minister added.

The minister noted that Nagorno-Karabakh’s self determination within Azerbaijan would enable to resolve the conflict soon and eliminate tension in the region.

“Withdrawal of Armenian troops from occupied Azerbaijani territories in limited timeframe could be key to resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and development in the region,” the minister said.

/APA/