  Expert: direct negotiations between Azerbaijan and NKR logical July 18, 2011 - 20:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An expert at the Institute of Political and Social Studies of Black Sea and Caspian Region Andrei Areshev commented on current stage of Karabakh settlement talks. “Direct negotiations between Azerbaijan and Karabakh would have been more logical; by yielding its place to Karabakh at negotiating table, Armenia would still remain a guarantor of NKR's safety,” the expert said. “However it's hard to say, if the option suggested is viable in current circumstances. Not only Yerevan and Stepanakert, but also sides willing to avoid loss of current balance of forces are interested in preserving present state of things, ” Areshev believes. The expert characterized the guarantee of NKR safety as an important element of conflict settlement, especially in current international situation, where even the status of a UN member can't save the country from bombings.    The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.  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 |  Topic Latest 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.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.Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |
