OSCE to address new South Caucasus conflict resolution initiatives

Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 30 / Trend , E.Rustamov/

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will consider new initiatives to resolve conflicts in the South Caucasus.

"We will consider new initiatives to resolve conflicts in the South Caucasus at a parliamentary level," OSCE Parliamentary Assembly head Joao Soares said, according to the organization’s Web site.

The initiatives will be discussed after OSCE Special Representative on the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict and Georgia Goran Lennmarker visits the region. The visit is scheduled for Feb. 21. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 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 the peace negotiations.

"This year is a year of great challenges, especially when it comes to so-called frozen conflicts," Soares said. Soares in general terms described his priorities for the year and Parliamentary Assembly's role.

"It is important for both the government and OSCE parliamentarians to be ready to cope with the problems that we are facing. We – experienced parliamentarians from 55 parliaments – have the power and influence on governments. We can certainly be on the front lines of political debates," Soares said.

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