OSCE PA calls on Karabakh conflict parties to return to negotiating table
By Rashid Shirinov
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) will meet on July 5-9 in Minsk for its 26th Annual Session, the OSCE PA reported on May 16.
With some 300 parliamentarians from North America, Europe and Asia expected to participate, the theme of this year’s Annual Session is “Enhancing mutual trust and co-operation for peace and prosperity in the OSCE region.”
The report of Swedish rapporteur Margareta Cederfelt that touches upon the issues of solving conflicts in the OSCE region, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, will also be read out and discussed during the Annual Session.
The report reflects the regret of the OSCE PA because of lack of progress towards the settlement of the conflict.
“A return to the negotiation table by all parties is needed to avoid further military confrontation and de-escalate the situation. Participating States should refrain from using unilateral decision-making and violence that would hinder diplomatic negotiations and dialogue initiatives,” the report stated.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict 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 regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.
Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.
The message by the OSCE PA noted that the Annual Session, consisting of several days of meetings featuring high-level speeches and debates, will culminate in the adoption of the Minsk Declaration. This political document will contain recommendations to national governments, parliaments and the international community in the fields of political affairs, security, economics, environment and human rights.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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