Gilmore: Decision on Karabakh to be taken by consensus

The solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be taken by consensus, said acting chairman of the Foreign Minister of Ireland, Eamon Gilmore  on Friday in Dublin at a press conference after a meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council. "The position of the OSCE in this matter is that the conflict, which  has been lasting too long, must be resolved through negotiations between the parties to the conflict.  The talk is about the formed  process - the  activity of the OSCE Minsk Group, and we will support it, and help the parties in these negotiations," said Gilmore.

He reported that during the period the Irish Presidency of the OSCE several events  were held in Dublin, where his country shared their experiences on the peace process in Northern Ireland. "I am pleased that during the Irish Presidency a progress has been obtained on the Pre-Dnestrian conflict settlement,"  said Gilmore.

The OSCE Secretary General, Lamberto Zannier,  noted two main aspects of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. First  is to support the political process in the negotiations process, and the initiatives of co-chairs  supported by the OSCE. The second aspect is related to "developments on events on the spot.

The OSCE Secretary General noted that "the parties have made a lot of proposals that, for one reason or another, have experienced difficulties in their decision." In particular, they were: withdrawal of snipers from the contact line of the conflict, empowerment permanent representative of the OSCE, etc. He called on the parties to an active dialogue and cooperation with the OSCE Minsk group.—04C--