Kazakhstan, Astana, 2 July / Trend corr K.Konirova/ "Peace settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is going on positively," OSCE Chairman-in-Office Alexander Stubb said.
"I support OSCE Minks Group's proposals and treat it with cautious optimism that the peace process on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is going on positively. I hope there will be progress," Stubb, who is also Finland's Foreign Minister, said at a press conference in Astana on 2 July after the 17th OSCE PA session.
OSCE PA President Goran Lennmarker backed the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group. "OSCE Minsk Group has a proposal on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. I hope both sides will agree with it," said Stubb.
The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began in 1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since 1992, Armenian Armed Forces have occupied 20% of Azerbaijan including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and its seven surrounding districts. In 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which time the active hostilities ended. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group ( Russia, France, and the US) are currently holding peaceful negotiations.