Civil society can play important role in peace building processesMarch 9, 2009 - 16:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "The Co-Chairmen have been always stressing in their statements that thepolitical leaders should start preparing societies for peace. They also always stress the importance of engaging actively the societies in confidence-building initiatives. It is admirable that the Co-Chairmen themselves are taking concrete steps to engage with civil society. It is a step that should be welcomed and appreciated. Many civil society leaders across the region welcome opportunities for such direct engagement. Experience in successful peace processes in other places in the world show that civil society can play very important role in peace building processes. In the Nagorno-Karabakh case, it is a responsibility of the leaders and the societies to take courageous steps towards achieving peaceful settlement. The Minsk Group Co-chairmen could only facilitate this process. I hope that such meetings continue and turn into a constructive engagement. And I also wish that the political leaders in the region take more proactive steps in engaging with their societies. " Dessislava Roussanova Stepanakert civil society representatives met MG OSCE Co-Chairmen during their last Feb. 27 - Mar. 2 visit. 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 | Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. |