Unreasonable delays in resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict causes tension in region: Azerbaijani defense minister

"The Karabakh problem must be solved as soon as possible. The land compromise is out of question here. The conflict must be resolved without any condition," Azerbaijani Defense Minister Colonel General Safar Abiyev said at a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Deputy Assistant for European and NATO policy Mary Warlick.

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.

The defense minister said Azerbaijan-U.S. military cooperation is built on good basis as in other fields.

The meeting also focused on military and political situation in the region.

/Trend News/