Baku, Azerbaijan, May 20
Trend:
The unacceptability of preserving the status quo in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been recognized by the entire international community, except for Armenia, said Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Khalaf Khalafov.
He made the remarks May 20 at a meeting with chairperson of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defense, former Polish foreign minister, Anna Fotyga, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan has told Trend.
The sides exchanged views on the current state of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Parliament, as well as other European institutions, the issues on the agenda, the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict.
Informing Anna Fotyga about the reforms underway in Azerbaijan, implementation of the projects contributing to the development of democracy and human rights, as well as the pardon decrees signed by the president of Azerbaijan, Khalafov said the country is interested in cooperation with the European structures.
Speaking about the Armenian army's provocations on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, as well as the Armenians' shooting at the Azerbaijani civilians from heavy artillery, Khalafov said the entire international community, except for Armenia, has recognized the unacceptability of preserving the status quo, and in this context, the deputy foreign minister recalled the EU's statements.
He highlighted the importance of consolidating and strengthening the efforts of the European institutions to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in accordance with the principles of international law.
Khalafov informed Fotyga that there can not be an alternative to the solution that will fully ensure Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders.
Fotyga, for her part, said the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defense, chaired by her, has recently held a presentation on Azerbaijan.
She said the European Parliament approves of the steps taken by the Azerbaijani government in the field of human rights.
"Azerbaijan's efforts in the fight against terrorism are highly appreciated," added Fotyga.
Stressing the importance of resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict peacefully, Fotyga said Poland always supports the territorial integrity of its friends and allies.
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 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.