Council of Europe supports OSCE Minsk Group in Karabakh settlementJanuary 12, 2017 - 13:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland said in a statement Wednesday, January 11, that the Council does not have a direct role in the negotiations over the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, and always refers to, and supports the role of, the OSCE Minsk Group. Citing recent clashes on Armenia-Azerbaijan border on December 29, 2016, Jagland also addressed the humanitarian aspects of the conflict. "I am aware that the violations of the ceasefire resulted in casualties, and that the Armenian Armed Forces are still holding the body of an Azerbaijani serviceman killed in the fighting. "I urge the parties to respect the ceasefire, and I fully support the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group’s call for the return, without delay, of human remains - in accordance with the agreements of the Astrakhan Summit of 2010 - bearing in mind the humanitarian nature of this issue”. Azerbaijani troops attempted a subversive attack near the village of Chinari in Armenia's Tavush province in the early hours of December 29. Three Armenian servicemen were killed in the attack. The Armenian Defense Ministry said it possesses undeniable evidence of violation of the state border by Azerbaijan, adding that up to seven Azeri troops were also killed. Armenia still holds the body of one of Azerbaijan's soldiers, with ICRC engaged in negotiations over its return. Read also:Azerbaijan-Armenia border clashes "unacceptable" - OSCE Minsk Group Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. 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. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). |