Azerbaijan, Baku / corr. Trend S.Ilhamgizi / The Union for Democracy which brings together Azerbaijan's three opposition parties publicized its proposals regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. The pack of proposals was presented on 24 May during the Karabakh Forum. The Union considers that it needs to publicly announce the principles of the negotiation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
"It needs to raise the question on withdrawal of the Russian Armed Forces from Armenia. The Government of Azerbaijan should prepare a program reflecting a certain period of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. In addition, the period of the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group should be defined. A Karabakh Institute should be created. The national forces should commence a campaign preventing support to Armenia by the USA, Russia, France and Iran. The UN Regulation's requirement on recognition of the occupant should be implemented," stated by the document.
The conflict between the two countries of South Caucasus appeared in 1988 due to the territorial claims of Armenia against Azerbaijan. Armenia has occupied 20% of the Azerbaijani lands including Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven Districts of the country surrounding it. Since 1992 to the present time, these territories have been under the occupation of the Armenian Forces. In 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a cease-fire agreement at which time active hostilities ended. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group ( Russia, France and USA) are holding peaceful negotiations.