Heikki Talvitie: prospects for progress on Karabakh conflict appear rather limited in 2008October 13, 2008 - 19:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - It is still too early to make a comprehensive assessment of the implications of the Georgian crisis for the other protracted conflicts, said Heikki Talvitie, Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office. "This year has seen positive movement in the Trans-dniestrian settlement process. The developments in Georgia have brought the issues concerning status to the fore and have infused a new sense of urgency into our efforts," Ambassador Talvitie said in a statement published in the OSCE Magazine. "That said, prospects for progress on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict appear rather limited in 2008, an election year for both Armenia and Azerbaijan. As we gear ourselves up for Helsinki, the Finnish Chairmanship will ensure that the unresolved conflicts are kept high on the agenda. The OSCE must invest even more time, energy and effort in pursuing the settlement of the protracted conflicts and making the most of every window of opportunity that opens up. It is in the interest of the whole OSCE community to back up these efforts with steadfast commitment and political will," he said. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |