Turkey, Istanbul, Jan. 28 / Trend J. Altinalan /
The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is the most open and effective structure in support to Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and cessation of Armenia's occupation of the Azerbaijani territories, OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu told Trend .
"Our position is unwavering," he said. "We will always support the international decision in favor of Azerbaijan. We will continue to support Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution."
According to him, while he holds the position of Secretary General, the OIC will not change its position in relation to Azerbaijan. "Azerbaijan has a special significance for me," Ihsanoglu 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.
Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the occupied territories.
The OIC is the largest Islamic organization and the second after the United Nations international organization, gathering 57 countries. Azerbaijan entered the organization in 1992.
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