Azerbaijan, Baku, Sept. 24 / Trend A.Huseynbala /
The Czech Republic supports the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
"The principles of territorial integrity and inviolability of borders are extremely important for the Czech Republic. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a very serious problem. I believe every conflict should be resolved peacefully. The military intervention may lead to even greater disasters. Therefore, the conflict should be resolved by peaceful means, based on norms and principles of the international law. The Czech Republic supports Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and this position is unchanged," Chairman of the Senate of the Czech Parliament, Přemysl Sobotka, said during his meeting with Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Ogtay Asadov, in Baku on Sept. 24.
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.
Sobotka mentioned the Czech Republic's interest in developing ties with Azerbaijan. "In big-time politics the parliaments play an important role. Therefore, the development of the inter-parliamentary relations is in the interests of both sides.
There are large opportunities for the development of economic and trade ties between the two countries. "The businessmen, who came with me to Azerbaijan, intend to expand cooperation with their Azerbaijani counterparts," Sobotka said.
Asadov provided detailed information about the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and stated Baku's position on this matter. "The UN Security Council, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and other prestigious international organizations have adopted resolutions on this matter, but the invader Armenia ignores these documents," Assadov added.
The speaker expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the Czech Republic for a fair position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"After the restoration of independence, the relations between our countries began to develop in a new plane. Your visit will give impetus to the development of the Azerbaijani-Czech relations," Asadov said.
Speaker also praised the level of the inter-parliamentary ties, activities of the friendship groups in the parliaments of the two countries, mutual visits and cooperation of the Czech and Azerbaijani MPs in the international organizations. "Our economic ties and trade are also growing. We believe that there are large opportunities to increase trade turnover," Asadov said.
Asadov appreciated the participation of the Czech Republic in the GUAM as an observer, saying that Azerbaijan is interested in this country's experience in integration into the Euro-Atlantic organizations.
Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at [email protected]