The Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been highlighted in this year`s first issue of the OSCE Magazine, a periodical published by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
The March issue of the magazine features an interview with Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office on the dispute.
In his interview, Kasprzyk says “the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict cannot be considered frozen”.
“Since last year we have seen the most intensive phase of the negotiation process to date.”
On the situation on the front lines, the Ambassador says it “has not changed dramatically since the cease-fire was agreed”.
“There are unfortunately a number of casualties each year —approximately 30 — as a result of shooting incidents on the Line of Contact…”
“In 2009, the number of fatalities decreased to 19, almost certainly as a result of the intensity of the negotiations. Each casualty is a tragedy and should be avoided, especially considering that a ceasefire is in place,” he adds.
However, Kasprzyk expresses regret “no agreement has yet been reached with regard to the withdrawal of snipers”.
The OSCE Chairman-in-Office`s Personal Representative says finding solution to the conflict is “a complicated process and has its own specific challenges”.
“Clearly, a great deal of political will is required for the parties to be able to achieve a lasting settlement.”
AzerTAg
