Visits by Azerbaijani and Armenian public figures can be one of directions in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement: vice speaker

"Visits of public representatives can be one of directions in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement," deputy speaker of the Parliament Bahar Muradova said at the press-conference.

Azerbaijani and Armenian Ambassadors to Russia Polad Bul-Bul oglu and Armen Smbatian, as well as Head of Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography Mikhail Shvydko are on visit in the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Smbatian, Polad Bul-Bul oglu and Shvydko met with the President of the unrecognized NKR Bako Saakyan in Khankandi last week, the Armenian media reported.

A six-member Azerbaijani delegation, as well as two members of the Azerbaijani parliament Asim Mollazade and Rovshan Rzayev and composer Siyavush Karimi visted Khankandi.

The Azerbaijani delegation left for Armenia and met with President Serzh Sargsyan later.

At the end of the day, the Azerbaijani and Armenian delegations met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, as well.

This is the second visit of the Azerbaijani and Armenian ambassadors to Russia to the Nagorno-Karabakh.

Representatives of the Armenian and Azerbaijani intelligentsia visited Khankandi, Yerevan and Baku on June 28 in 2007 upon the initiative of the two countries' ambassadors to Russia.

National leader Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev always told about necessity of dialogue between communities but noted a need for a favorable situation, Muradova said.

"I think that it is high time. These mutual visits will support visits of presidents and assist with entire process of talks," vice speaker said.

Parliamentary discussions concerning consent to hold referendum to determine status of Nagorno-Karabakh is not in agenda, Muradova said.

"Referendum can not stand on agenda until Armenian forces leave occupied territories, Azerbaijani territorial integrity and return of Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh to native lands are ensured," Muradova said.

/Trend News/