Mammadyarov: Armenia Opposes Peaceful Settlement of the Karabakh Conflict

"The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is still a major challenge to international security. Armenia reinforces the status quo, in violation of the charter of the OSCE, using the force to maintain control over the occupied territories of Azerbaijan,” said Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov at the 19th OSCE Ministerial Council meeting. During his speech, Mammadyarov raised the issue of security in the OSCE area and solving existing conflicts.

The Minister noted that Armenia prevents intra-dialogue, prevents refugees from returning to their homes, prevents the economic development of the region and tries to erase all signs of Azerbaijani culture. "In the occupied territories of Azerbaijan there are not ruined monuments of Azerbaijani culture," said the Azerbaijani minister.

He is concerned that Armenia is trying to use the airport Khojaly. "This is a provocative step that undermines the trust and aggravate the situation in the region," said Mammadyarov. However, Mammadyarov said Azerbaijan is interested in continuing the peace talks, as there is no alternative to a peaceful resolution of the conflict "We propose to speed up work in support of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, and begin to develop a comprehensive peace agreement," said Azerbaijani minister.—04C--