Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be settled calmly, says Iranian Ambassador

Iran is confident that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved peacefully. This was stated by the Iranian Ambassador to Armenia, Mohammad Reis at a press conference on February 12, News.am reported.

According to the ambassador, any possibility of igniting tension within the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution should be excluded.

"It is impossible to solve a problem violently. International principles and norms should prevail during the negotiation process. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved in the framework of international law," he said.

The ambassador also expressed confidence that any conflict may be resolved if being faithful to international principles and norms.

In response to a question concerning what Iran has to offer given its involvement as a mediator, the diplomat said that Iran has good relations both with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"All neighbours are equal for us and we try to build good relationships with each of them. However, with some neighbours, including Armenia, we have a strategic relationship. Consequently, nothing can affect our fundamental point of view on this issue," he added.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France and the U.S. - are currently holding peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.


/Trend/