Heikki Talvitie: prospects for progress on Karabakh conflict appear rather limited in 2008

PanARMENIAN.Net - It is still too early to make a comprehensive assessment of the implications of the Georgian crisis for the other protracted conflicts, said Heikki Talvitie, Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office.



"This year has seen positive movement in the Trans-dniestrian settlement process. The developments in Georgia have brought the issues concerning status to the fore and have infused a new sense of urgency into our efforts," Ambassador Talvitie said in a statement published in the OSCE Magazine.



"That said, prospects for progress on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict appear rather limited in 2008, an election year for both Armenia and Azerbaijan. As we gear ourselves up for Helsinki, the Finnish Chairmanship will ensure that the unresolved conflicts are kept high on the agenda. The OSCE must invest even more time, energy and effort in pursuing the settlement of the protracted conflicts and making the most of every window of opportunity that opens up. It is in the interest of the whole OSCE community to back up these efforts with steadfast commitment and political will," he said.