Ilham Aliyev: Karabakh status issue of futureJuly 6, 2009 - 15:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Role of Russia as a mediator for resolution of the Nagorno Kraabkha conflict is significant, the Azerbaijani President said."The recent presidential meeting was efficient enough. We do see Russia's aspiration to help the sides reach an agreement. The process is complicated but we are moving in the right direction," Ilham Aliyev said. He said he understands the concerns of people living in Karabakh. "We are ready to consider the issue of secure overland communication," Aliyev said. "We do not see Nagorno Karabakh as an independent state. Our task is to ensure security of people of all nationalities and establish communication. We do not want war although we are building the military potential," he said. As to status of Karabakh, the Azerbaijani President said that the OSCE Minsk Group's proposals envisage gradual withdrawal of troops "from the occupied regions." "The initial stage supposes withdrawal from 5 regions. Withdrawal from Lachin and Kelbajar is expected within 5 years after the peace agreements come into effect. We think it's a compromise term," Aliyev said, Vesti TV channel reported. 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 | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province 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. |