Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.23
By Sabina Ahmadova - Trend:
A resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict depends on the political will of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and not on treaties or alliances, US co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group, James Warlick told Trend on Oct.23.
He was commenting on the possible impact of Armenia's accession to the Eurasian Economic Union on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The co-chair said the government of Armenia has made its decision, which he respects.
"We hope with the recent contacts between the presidents they will commit themselves to a settlement," Warlick said.
"Conditions along the line of contact and Armenian-Azerbaijani border have stabilized after the outbreak of violence this summer. But the situation remains tense," he added.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
The two countries 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.
Edited by SI