Experts: Agreement on Karabakh Status May Serve as Base for Break in TalksFebruary 11, 2006 - 13:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Representatives of the French President reported that during his meeting with Armenian and Azeri Presidents Robert Kocharian and Ilham Aliyev French leader Jacques Chirac wished them good luck in the talks that give much hope. Many columnists suppose a break will be made during settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in 2006. "There is a chance to lay the foundations for an agreement," French President's official representative Jerome Bonnafont cited Chirac. "Jacques Chirac assured both presidents that the international community wishes to support the efforts of establishing peace." In diplomats' words, Baku and Yerevan representatives discuss NK possible status. This is perhaps the major stumbling block at the talks. The Armenian party refuses any opportunity of subordination to Baku authorities. Azerbaijan says any decision on Karabakh status should be taken within the framework of country's territorial integrity. Just agreement on the status may serve as base for a break. However, experts suppose that judging from Aliyev's and Kocharian's hard-edged statements, as well as the militant publications of Azeri and Armenian media, attaining a break will not be easy. In diplomats' words, any document will most likely contain an agreement over withdrawal of Armenian troops from regions around NK in exchange for keeping control over Karabakh territory itself. The matter may also concern sending international peacekeeping forces. At that a referendum on NK status may be postponed for unknown time, BBC reported. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Politico: Belarus delivered advanced weapons to Azerbaijan in 2018-2022 Belarus delivered advanced weapons to Armenia’s enemy even though both countries were supposedly allies in a defense pact. Armenia Security Council chief to attend Ukraine peace summit Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will take part in the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland. Armenian govt. approves ratification of EAEU-Iran free trade deal At a meeting on Friday, June 14, the Armenian government approved the ratification of an EAEU free trade agreement with Iran. Deputy U.S. Secretary of State to arrive in Yerevan Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will travel to Yerevan, Armenia from June 17-19 to. |