OSCE MG visit to region: Baku once again tells co-chairs a tale about “de-occupation” of its landsFebruary 12, 2011 - 18:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Recent visit of OSCE Minsk Group has not changed anything in the position of conflicting parties, rather, the co-chairs were once again informed of Azerbaijan’s readiness to “de-occupy their territories”. The visit, not being previously announced, came as unexpected to Armenian and Azerbaijani public. Still, the fact did not change anything. Based on the results of a visit to the region, Ambassadors Bernard Fassier of France, Robert Bradtke of the United States, and Igor Popov of the Russian Federation made a joint statement, urging conflicting parties to “show restraint both on the ground and in their public statements.” However, to Azerbaijan, both mediators and the international community’s recommendations are mere words. According to Azerbaijani Defense Minister Safar Abiyev, Azerbaijan is seriously preparing for the “de-occupation of its lands”. “In such a situation any state would do the same. No one can accuse Azerbaijan in this matter,” he said at a meeting with the OSCE MG co-chairs and the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Personal Representative Andrzej Kasprzyk. Abiyev’s statements are completely opposite to those of Armenian Defense Minister. At the meeting with OSCE MG co-chairs, Seyran Ohanyan stressed Armenian side’s strict adherence to ceasefire. Mr. Ohanyan expressed concern over Azerbaijan’s ceasefire violations and sniper attacks, adequately responded to by Armenian army. As for the aim of the visit, Bernard Fassier stipulated it as an attempt to reach agreement on “basic principles” of Karabakh conflict settlement. Top stories The Cabinet of Ministers decided on Thursday, November 9 to allocated AMD 120 million to arrange the gathering. Michael Roth believes sanctions must be put on the table after Baku‘s ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Yerevan City Council has elected Tigran Avniyan from the ruling Civil Contract as the mayor of the Armenian capital. The Armenian Parliament on Tuesday, October 3 voted to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Azerbaijan must respect human rights, Scholz tells Aliyev German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for greater respect for human rights in Azerbaijan. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. |