Azernews.Az

BAKU – A new outburst of tension in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno Karabakh should be prevented, the OSCE chief said Thursday in conclusion of his three-day visit to Moscow, Russia’s Regnum news agency reported.

Audronius Azubalis, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, said following a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that he had witnessed that Moscow is utterly concerned over the rising tension in the Karabakh conflict zone.

"The situation is heating up, and none of the big players wants an outbreak. The regular meetings being held between the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents with the Russian leaders’ participation indicate that crucial attempts are being made [to settle the conflict]."

Azubalis said it should be taken into account that a new generation has grown up in the region, which complicates settling the Karabakh conflict.

"Resolving this conflict now is probably complicated indeed. But I am not saying that certain steps should not be taken. I have visits to both Azerbaijan and Armenia scheduled for spring," the OSCE chairman said.

Azubalis earlier said the Lithuanian OSCE chairmanship aims to achieve tangible progress on the protracted conflicts this year.

Azerbaijan and Armenia 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 brokered by US, Russian and French mediators have been largely fruitless so far.