OSCE CiO intends to re-energize efforts towards peaceful settlement of frozen conflictsApril 10, 2008 - 19:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The OSCE needs to focus on the issues where it can make a real difference, including solving the region's frozen conflicts, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, newly appointed Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, told the Organization's Permanent Council today."We must seriously look for solutions to the so-called frozen conflicts. My aim is to re-energize efforts towards peaceful settlement of these conflicts," said the Chairman-in-Office. "I sincerely hope that the efforts of the Finnish Chairmanship are met with constructive engagement by all parties. I continue to support the existing negotiation mechanisms, including the OSCE Minsk Group and its Co-Chairs." The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, which is working to find a solution for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, are France, Russia and the United States. Stubb, who was appointed as Foreign Minister of Finland on 4 April, also expressed concern over recent incidents in Nagorno Karabakh and South Ossetia and appealed to all parties to refrain from violence. The Chairman emphasized the work of the OSCE in Kosovo, and the value of its continued involvement there. He also highlighted the Organization's initiatives in Central Asia, and the OSCE's decision to enhance its engagement with Afghanistan, the OSCE communication unit 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 | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |