Azernews.Az

BAKU – The situation in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict zone could spiral out of control, Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland has told the Baku-based ANS TV channel ahead of his planned visit to Azerbaijan.

Jagland explained this threat by the intensifying ceasefire violations on the "contact line" of the two countries’ troops.

"The incidents that have resulted in human casualties in past months may exacerbate the situation," he said. "The risk of a resumption of hostilities will remain in the region until the conflict finds its final solution."

Jagland noted that both Azerbaijan and Armenia assumed a commitment upon their admission to the Council of Europe to seek a peaceful settlement to the dispute, expressing hope that there will be no spike in tension.

Jagland stressed that peace talks are underway with the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group and are therefore outside the CE’s authority.

"But if we could somehow make a contribution to the Minsk process, we will be more than glad to do that. It is also crucial to ensure the rule of law in order to redouble efforts aimed at reaching peace. This is important not only for the Nagorno Karabakh problem but for all ‘frozen’ conflicts."

The Karabakh conflict emerged in 1988 due to Armenia’s territorial claims. The two countries fought a lengthy war that ended with the signing of a cease-fire in 1994. About 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory, including Nagorno Karabakh and seven adjacent regions, is under the occupation of the Armenian armed forces. Peace talks have been largely fruitless so far.