Jacques Claude Mignon calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to talk

Due to the forthcoming chairmanship of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the Committee of Ministers, the Council of Europe hopes that the parties will put an end to recriminations and engage in constructive talks. This was said at a press conference on Monday in Strasbourg, on the opening day of the winter session of PACE, chairman of this structure, Jean Claude Mignon, responding to a question about the possible role of the Assembly in the resolution of the Karabakh conflict.

According to Mignon, this question is always under his scrutiny. "I've always tried to take steps to address this issue, every time, based on parliamentary diplomacy and meetings with the heads of both delegations. I believe that these meetings take place in a positive atmosphere. I know that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is very complicated. So far, the OSCE Minsk Group has done a great job in the settlement of the conflict. I constantly meet in Paris with Mr. Jacques Faure (co-chair from France - ed.) and I can say that work is in progress. I think that the Minsk Group will soon submit their proposals and will report on the work being done.

After five months of Armenia as chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the chair will be Austria, and then Azerbaijan.

I told the delegations of both countries, which are in open conflict, if they do not take steps to resolve the conflict, it will be hard for the Council of Europe during the presidency of Armenia and Azerbaijan.  I would love to visit both countries with the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers. I have a feeling that the issue can get off the ground, " said Mignon. -04С-