Azerbaijan, Baku, September 13 /Trend, S.Ahmadova/
NATO would like to see an early resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, , Special Representative of NATO's Secretary General for South Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai told Trend.
"A solution to the conflict is urgent, but such a solution can only be political. NATO fully supports the efforts of the Minsk Group to this end".
Talking about the possible role of the organization in solution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Appathurai said that at this stage, where the two sides have not yet come to a full agreement on the basic principles of a settlement, it is too early to speculate on the role of any organization or country in implementing such a settlement.
"The term "frozen" conflict is clearly not a good description of the reality on the ground. Both sides continue to report frequent cease-fire violations, and there are tragic casualties amongst military and civilians."
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.