OSCE will closely watch developments in South CaucasusJuly 2, 2008 - 20:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Resolution of so-called frozen conflicts in Caucasus is a priority for the OSCE, said Alexander Stubb, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office. "I believe that the OSCE must be engaged in settlement of conflicts," he said in his address to the PACE PA 17th session. "Nagorno Karabakh is one of these conflicts. We have a special representative there, what proves how seriously we approach the issue," Mr Stubb said. He also mentioned that some progress is observed in relations between Transnistria and Moldova. "But, speaking frankly, we failed to fix any progress in the South Caucasus and I am concerned over the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia," Mr Stubb said. "We will closely watch developments in the region," he said, calling upon the conflicting countries for restraint, Trend Azeri news agency reports. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |