Process of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement intensified

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

The Nagorno-Karabakh peace process and development of Azerbaijan and the European Union relations were key topics during talks of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Herbert Salber, in Baku.

Salber, who arrived in Baku on October 25, was received by President Ilham Aliyev on the same day.

The sides discussed the ongoing settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, while Armenia's non-constructive position to constantly hinder the conflict resolution was emphasized.

They also exchanged views on the role of the co-chairs and international community in the settlement of the conflict.

Later, Salber met with Azerbaijani Deputy PM, chair of the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs Ali Hasanov.

Salber informed the Azerbaijani side that he will visit the country’s west to inspect the conditions created for refugees and IDP settled close to the frontline.

Hasanov highlighted the causes and consequences of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the current state of talks to solve the dispute.

The Deputy PM also touched upon the April incidents on the troops` line of contact, the biggest escalation of the conflict, since the armistice.

Salber, who talked to Trend, said that the diplomatic activity is observed around the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

He positively assessed his visit to Azerbaijan, adding that the situation around the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement was discussed during a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev.

“During my visit, I would like to visit another place close to the line of contact of Azerbaijan and Armenian troops and meet with internally displaced people living in that area,” he added. “During my previous visits, I met with internally displaced people living in Baku and near the city.”

He went on to add that Russia is very active in drawing proposals and discussions on the Karabakh issue, although it has not yet resulted in a breakthrough.

“On the other hand, we can see that the speaking process is going on," Salber said.

Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war.

Large-scale hostilities ended with a Russia-brokered ceasefire in 1994 but Armenia continued the occupation in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions calling for immediate and unconditional withdrawal.

Peace talks mediated by Russia, France and the U.S. have produced no results so far.