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Both U.S. and Russia interested in resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict Materials 18 November 2009 11:43 (UTC +04:00)
“If the protocols between Turkey and Armenia can both bring Armenia closer to the West and closer to a political solution to resolving Nagorno-Karabakh, I would support that,” U.S Congressman Michael E. McMahon told Trend News.
Both U.S. and Russia interested in resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

U.S, Washington, Nov.18 / Trend N.Bogdanova /

"If the protocols between Turkey and Armenia can both bring Armenia closer to the West and closer to a political solution to resolving Nagorno-Karabakh, I would support that," U.S Congressman Michael E. McMahon told Trend .

It is in the interest of both the United States and Russia to resolve this ongoing conflict, which has serious implications for global energy security, he said.

Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers Ahmet Davutoglu and Edward Nalbandian signed the Ankara-Yerevan protocols in Zurich Oct. 10. 

Turkey and Armenia in the talks mediated by Switzerland reached an agreement to launch "domestic political consultations" Aug. 31 to sign the "Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and Protocol on the Development of Bilateral Relations," the Turkish Foreign Ministry reported.

U.S Congressman also pointed out that "the underlying truth of the matter, though, is that Turkey maintains close relations to Azerbaijan, and for decades the issue of the ties between Turkey and Armenia has been tied to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict".

"Unfortunately, a timeline has yet to be set for the protocols to be ratified by Turkey or Armenia. This does not mean, however, that the signing in Zurich was not a huge step forward for both countries. In an ideal world, all the players would be cognizant of this fact and move to ratify on the protocols in their respective congresses", -he added.

According to the congressman, Washington also shares with its allies an interest in the Caucuses, as well.

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.

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