Iran is prepared to do its utmost to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Novosti Armenia news agency quoted Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki as saying at a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan in Yerevan on March 13.
"Iran has always said it is prepared to assist with the conflict's resolution. I hope that we will be able to contribute to regional stability," Mottaki said.
He compared the resolution of the conflict with erecting a building. The foundation must be laid gradually, he said.
Mottaki said his meeting with the Armenian foreign minister focused on Nagorno-Karabakh.
Nalbandyan spoke about Armenia's new approach to the issue.
Mottaki noted that the Economic Cooperation Organization meeting ended two days ago in Tehran and he met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov during the meeting.
"The meeting ended with the signing of a document. Its provisions says all conflicts in the region must be resolved peacefully via talks. The document was signed by all member states," Mottaki said.
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.