Azernews.Az

By Trend

Ankara appreciates the statement of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the possibility for Turkey to play a positive role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict’s settlement, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry told Trend in an exclusive interview.

Sergey Lavrov told reporters Oct. 14 that Turkey may play a positive role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict’s resolution.

"First and foremost, Turkey wishes peace and stability in the South Caucasus. Respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries in the region will contribute to peace and stability in the region. The unconstructive position of Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict poses a risk for a long-term peace and stability in the region,” said the ministry.

Turkey supports Azerbaijan in this issue and advocates a solution to this problem in the framework of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, the ministry added.

“Undoubtedly, Turkey will support Azerbaijan’s position in this issue. In this regard, Turkey as a member of the OSCE Minsk Group is closely monitoring the settlement process and is trying topromote negotiations by means of close contacts with Azerbaijan,” said Turkey’s Foreign Ministry.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

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