NKR Leader Says New OSCE CiO Optimistic about Karabakh Issue

PanARMENIAN.Net - Nagorno Karabakh President Arkady Ghukasian thinks the issue of deployment of peacekeeping forces in Karabakh is not topical. "This issue is not on the agenda. It is supposed that if the conflicting parties reach an agreement they can address peacekeeping forces. I do not think that any country or organization can oblige us in the matter. Peacekeepers cannot be based without our consent. Moreover, Azerbaijan has always been against the deployment of peacekeeping troops," Arkady Ghukasian stated upon completion of the meeting with OSCE Chairman-in-Office Karel De Gucht.



As for the meeting with the OSCE CiO, the NKR president noted that the newly appointed OSCE head is rather optimist about the issue. "Karel De Gucht hopes to receive answers to most of the questions in 2006. I admit and respect this optimism since it is very important for a mediator. The other thing, whether there are reasons for it," Ghuskasian said adding that the OSCE CiO is competent and informed though he cannot be considered to be a specialist in Nagorno Karabakh, reported IA Regnum.