Baku speaks of “approximation of positions” after failing Kazan meeting on KarabakhAugust 10, 2011 - 20:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The head of the foreign affairs department at Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration Novruz Mamedov commented on Sochi-hosted meeting between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev. As Mamedov stated, during the meeting and negotiations initiated by Russian President, the parties to Karabakh conflict approximated their positions on a number of issues in accordance with Madrid Principles. As the official noted, negotiations on Karabakh settlement must be continued, Aze.az reported. The meeting between Russian President and his Azerbaijani counterpart was held on August 9 in Sochi. As the Russian leader noted, Karabakh settlement was the main issue on agenda. “I’d like to have a sincere conversation to determine further steps, based on results of trilateral meeting in Kazan, as well as previous talks,” Medvedev said. Azerbaijan President, in turn, thanked the Russian leader for efforts towards Karabakh conflict settlement and providing regional security. “Previous talks on Karabakh considerably approximated the conflicting sides’ positions. Azerbaijan takes major interest in conflict settlement,” Aliyev said. The Russian leader is expected to meet Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on the sidelines of August 12 informal OSCE summit. During the June 24 meeting in Kazan, the Presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia failed to sign an agreement on basic principles of Karabakh conflict settlement. As Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian noted later, despite the OSCE MG co-chairs’ efforts, Azerbaijan was not ready to accept the final version of basic principles, presenting ten new amendments at the last moment. On July 8, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov handed over a personal message and proposals of RF President Dmitry Medvedev to Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders, who have already offered replies. 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 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |