The best way for resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the continuation of direct dialogue between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia and discussion of concrete proposals and attitudes on the final resolution of the conflict, according to the U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar. The U.S. as a member of the OSCE Minsk Group will continue its mediation efforts and its help to the parties in solving the conflict, the ambassador told journalists on Dec.18.
“The meeting between presidents Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan in early November is a very good fact. All signs give us ground to say that this was a very good and constructive meeting,” the ambassador said.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
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 Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions. /Trend/
