Bernard Fassier advises optimism in Karabakh settlementDecember 19, 2011 - 19:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Mediation in Karabakh settlement is a complicated task, with conflicting parties often refusing to agree to mediators’ proposals, according to outgoing French co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group. At news conference in Baku, Bernard Fassier noted the reviewed Madrid Principles as a positive factor in Karabakh settlement talks, also characterizing a possibility for co-chair’s visit to Karabakh as a sign of progress. “Unfortunately, Kazan-hosted meeting between the presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia didn’t justify itself. Still, we must be optimistic and hope for progress in Karabakh settlement talks,” the outgoing co-chair concluded. At 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. 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 | 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. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |