Azerbaijan, Baku, March 14 / Trend , E.Rustamov/
OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has always supported efforts for a peaceful and equitable solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, together with the OSCE Minsk Group, OSCE PA President Joao Soares said.
"We confirmed that there is no military solution to this conflict. The only way to resolve this issue is a political way of dealing with the full participation of both countries," Soares 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.
OSCE PA organized a series of meetings between parliamentary delegations of Armenia and Azerbaijan. These meetings were essential to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the dialogue and preserve all the possibilities of communication.
"Armenia and Azerbaijan are in the same geopolitical space and to a large extent can benefit from greater economic cooperation. These changes will be the basis for further strengthening of economic ties and will also include the Nagorno-Karabakh," he added.
The EU Eastern Partnership program could also play an important role in the expansion of interchange and thereby contribute to reconciliation between different communities, said Soares
OSCE PA has closely followed the negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and is convinced that there is a real chance for peace. This opportunity must be seized," said Soares.
OSCE PA president has called alarming information about the possible transfer of Russian weapons to Armenia. There is a need to investigate this information, he said. Tensions between the conflicting sides, should be avoided
Media outlets reported an alleged Russian arms delivery to Armenia from the Gumri Military Base No. 102 in early January. The approximate value of the shipment totaled $800 million.
Russia's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Vasili Istratov was invited to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry to clarify the situation. Later, the Russian Defense Ministry denied the assertions. Baku is not satisfied with Moscow's reply. During a telephone conversation between the countries' foreign ministers, they decided to continue consultations on the issue.
The international community should provide support for a peaceful resolution to this conflict. "Nevertheless, the primary responsibility rests on Armenia and Azerbaijan. Everyone knows that the sides must reach a compromise. This is what we expect from the both presidents," Soares added.
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