Opening borders between Turkey and Armenia can contribute to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement : German State Secretary

"Currently there are two ways to settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The first one is the talks between Turkey and Armenia, second one - talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Germany supports both ways. They both are positive for the region," Erler 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 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 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 the peace negotiations.

Dialogue is the better way of resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict than the military way, State Secretary said.

Within his visit, Erler plans to meet with the Speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament Oktay Asadov, Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov and representatives of opposition parties.

/Trend News/