  Fresh efforts needed for Karabakh settlement, OSCE chief says December 8, 2016 - 17:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter-Steinmeier said Thursday, December 8 that new efforts are needed to resolve the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh, RIA Novosti reports. A session of the OSCE Foreign Minister's Council kicked off Thursday in Hamburg. OSCE Minsk Group's U.S. Co-chair James Warlick said earlier that a meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign policy chiefs may be organized. Steinmeier said that the Minsk Group has been created and tasked to help settle the conflict, adding that the "process needs a breath of fresh air." According to him, the OSCE is concerned about the latest events in Karabakh, and the situation "still remains dangerous." "The escalation in April shows the risk of fresh outbreak of violence," the German minister said. Azerbaijan on April 2 launched an overt military offensive against Karabakh, with both sides suffering hundreds of casualties. The parties reached an agreement on the cessation of hostilities on April 5. The EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini also said that the 28-nation bloc is anticipating some progress in the process of the Karabakh conflict settlement.  Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event  The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event.Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party.Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims.Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |
