Azerbaijan, Baku, Apr. 6 / Trend S.Suleymanov /
Kazakhstan's position is clear on resolving long-lasting conflicts.
"Territorial integrity is indisputable," OSCE Chairperson-In-Office Special Envoy Bolat Nurgaliyev told Trend .
"It is important to understand that long-lasting conflicts are extremely difficult. But Kazakhstan's position as the OSCE chair is unambiguous - the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova is undeniable. Territorial integrity is sacred," he said.
According to Nurgaliyev, Kazakhstan's position is based on international principles and national history.
"We are the people who defended the land I now have [the present territory of Kazakhstan] for many centuries and so we cannot treat the issue of territorial integrity otherwise," he noted.
The OSCE special envoy noted that the negotiation process must be handled delicately in long-lasting conflicts where party positions diverge.
"While we cannot provide any information to the media about the essence of our plan to resolve the situation in areas of long-lasting conflicts, such as the South Caucasus. First, we must receive support for our proposed steps for the parties with whom we work," he added.
Nurgaliyev confirmed that the OSCE chairman invited the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents, as well as the leaders of Moldova and Transdniestria, to meet in neutral territory in Astana.
"Yes, we offered to hold talks between Moldova and Transdniestria in Astana May 25," he said. "We have put forward the initiative to hold meetings similar to those that were held in Vienna. But the meeting in Astana will change the atmosphere and help us to look at the problem in a different way."
As to whether the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents have already agreed to meet in Astana, Nurgaliyev replied: "The issue is under discussion."
Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at: [email protected]