Azerbaijan’s constructive policy key for Karabakh settlement: officialNovember 21, 2015 - 14:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Constructive policies by Azerbaijan would be the only possible way to push for a progress in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement talks, a lawmaker from Armenia’s ruling Republican Party said, according to Tert.am. “We will otherwise face more problems on the border that would further destabilize the region,” the head of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Artak Zakaryan noted. Asked whether other documents besides the Madrid Principles are on the negotiation agenda, Zakaryan said “not that he knows of.” Despite recent reports, suggesting that the OSCE Minsk Group has exhausted its potential, having been unable to prevent the adoption of a controversial report on Karabakh by the PACE Political Affairs Committee, Zakaryan ruled out the possibility of revising and reshaping the mission’s format. The Minsk Group mission is the only competent platform capable of negotiating for peace, he said. Describing Robert Walter’s report, “Escalation of Violence in Nagorno Karabakh and Other Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan,” as a serious threat to the conflict settlement process, Zakaryan advised against encouraging Azerbaijan’s narratives. In response to a question on Germany’s possible Co-chairmanship in the Minsk Group and the country’s pro-Turkish and pro-Azerbaijani policy, Zakaryan noted: “I don’t think new involvements can bridge any gap. I am sure Germany will demonstrate a strongly balanced position.” 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. Top stories The Cabinet of Ministers decided on Thursday, November 9 to allocated AMD 120 million to arrange the gathering. Michael Roth believes sanctions must be put on the table after Baku‘s ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Yerevan City Council has elected Tigran Avniyan from the ruling Civil Contract as the mayor of the Armenian capital. The Armenian Parliament on Tuesday, October 3 voted to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). |