The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh continues being complex and may explode, particularly in connection with the intention of Armenia to open air traffic to the region, special representative of the chairman of the OSCE for protracted conflicts Andrey Deshchitsa said at a meeting of the Strategic Discussion Club in Kiev on Wednesday, UKRINFORM reported.
Deshchitsa noted that the Ukrainian Chairmanship of the OSCE proposed both sides to hold a meeting of Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan as soon as possible.
Deshchitsa also pointed out the existence of stabilizing factors in the region, in particular, the presidential elections in Azerbaijan and Armenia. In addition, the Sochi Olympics planned to be held by Russia next year is also a stabilizing factor according to Deshchitsa.
“Russia is interested in quiet and safe Caucasus,” – he said, adding that Russia is playing a constructive role in maintaining the regional security.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France and the U.S. are currently holding peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council’s four resolutions on the liberation of the occupied territories.
/Trend/
