France host conference on Karabakh conflict

April 23, 2010 - 18:01 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - On April 22, French city of Saint-Chamond hosted a conference entitled Karabakh Conflict and Karabakh Restoration Programs.

City Mayor Philippe Kizirian, Chairman of the French-Armenian Friendship Group, MP Francois Rochebloine, representatives of local self-government bodies and Armenian community attended the conference, NKR Permanent Mission to France reported.

In his speech, NKR Permanent Representative to France Hovhannes Gevorgyan introduced the pre-history of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict and current stage of its settlement. He touched upon forthcoming May 23 elections to the NKR 5th convocation National Assembly, noting: “By electing legislative power representatives, Karabakh people once again remind the world that they are masters of their own fate, determined to build their lives in accordance with democratic principles.”

Hovhannes Gevorgyan also met with representatives of Club GIER Enterprises association of Loire region entrepreneurs, introducing current economic situation and investment possibilities in Artsakh, NKR Foreign Ministry press service reported.

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.