Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 12
By Anakhanum Hidayatova – Trend:
One of Austria’s main priorities in the OSCE will be the collective work in the security field, aimed to avoid escalation of conflicts in the OSCE countries’ territories, said Sebastian Kurz, OSCE chairperson-in-office, Austria’s foreign minister, on Jan. 12.
He was commenting on the previously announced priorities of Austria’s chairmanship in the OSCE.
The world today demonstrates instability and growing distrust, according to the diplomat.
Austria’s efforts during the OSCE chairmanship will be aimed at the restoration of trust, he said.
Kurz added that the country will fight radicalism and terrorism which pose the biggest threat to society.
The stability and safety of all people living in Europe will depend on the success of Austria’s chairmanship and its forthcoming activities in the OSCE, according to him.
Kurz also thanked Germany for the work it carried out in 2016.
Austria took over the OSCE Chairmanship from Germany on Jan. 1, 2017.
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.
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