Solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict demands close and continuous international co-operation, as well as tolerance and skills to find compromise, Estonian President, Thomas Hendrick Ilves stated to Trend News on the eve of his visit to Azerbaijan on January 12.
“Estonia and Azerbaijan understand that such a conflict is threat for the security and stability of the whole region. Estonia is completely sure that solution to such conflicts has future outlook and will take definite time. A solution should be found by diplomats and politicians via talks, not via military operations and I’m truly very glad that the current Azerbaijani administration supports this idea”, the President stated.
According to Ilves, Estonia supports the activity of the Co-Chairs to the OSCE Minsk Group – the US, France and Russia and welcomes the declaration for the peaceful conflict solution signed by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia on November 2, 2008.
“Estonia shows activeness through the EU in this issue, and the Friendly Neighborhood Policy Plan suggests that both Azerbaijan and Armenia will assist the solution to the conflict”, the President said.
The conflict between the two countries of South Caucasia started in 1988 over territorial claims raised by Armenia against Azerbaijan. Until December 1991, Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh except for Shusha and Khojaly. But in 1992-93, Shusha, Khojaly and seven surrounding districts of Nagorno-Karabakh were occupied too. In 1994, the parties signed the ceasefire agreement and hold fruitless peace talks under the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the USA till today.
Trend
