Details added (first version posted on 18:01)
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 21
Trend:
Azerbaijan hopes for Russia's mediation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict's settlement, as Russia is the region's most authoritative country, and much depends on its stance and influence, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbuloglu told Russia24 TV channel May 21.
Reminding that Russia is a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, he said it is the largest and most influential country in the region.
"The only problem we have is the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which we believe, will be possible to solve peacefully," he said.
"It will be for the benefit of both the Azerbaijani people and the Armenian people, as well as for Russia itself, so that there will be peace, wellbeing and prosperity in the South Caucasus," said the ambassador.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan.
As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US are currently holding peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented the UN Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.
Edited by CN