First Nagorno Karabakh Group announced in European Parliament

October 16, 2014 - 16:46 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - On October 15, 2014, the European Parliament Nagorno Karabakh Group was presented with the assistance of European Friends of Armenia, aiming to support civil society and democratic governance, as well as European values within Nagorno Karabakh. Following the French and Lithuanian parliaments that have already established similar groups, members of the European Parliament are creating the first international group, spanning over national borders, EuFoA reported.

Several Members of the European Parliament have committed to the group’s membership, with MEP Frank Engel from the EPP Group heading it.

With nationally diverse members from various European political families, the Nagorno Karabakh Group will facilitate contacts between EU officials and CSOs with representatives of Nagorno Karabakh at all levels, including civil society and will also promote study visits to the region. The informal group is also concerned with Nagorno Karabakh’s representation and presence for NK in international forums and EU programs.

The European Parliament has stated that the EU, through complementary confidence building measures, can support the Minsk Group’s efforts to solve the decades-old conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh and the group will contribute to these endeavors.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.