  May 12 marks 16 years of ceasefire in Nagorno Karabakh May 12, 2010 - 11:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - May 12 marks 16 years of ceasefire in Nagorno Karabakh, under Russia’s mediation. As OSCE Minsk Group Russian Co-chair in 1992-1996, Ambassador Vladimir Kazimirov says, there is no other agreement of the kind in the international practice. “Russia has always given priority to a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” he says. “Following Russia’s proposal, on July 3, 1992, the OSCE MG called on the parties to suspend hostilities for 30 days. A similar attempt was made on August 5, 1992. Some of short-term agreements were prolonged, some failed. In September-October 1993, ceasefire was maintained for 50 days. The historical meeting in Bishkek was summoned on the initiative of Russia, CIS Interparliamentary Assembly and Kyrgyz parliament speaker.” “16 years of ceasefire is a period sufficient to find a mutually acceptable agreement for a conflict resolution. However, no breakthrough is expected in the near future,” the diplomat concluded.    The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.  Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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".   Partner news |  Topic Latest news Freedom House: “Why are there no Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh?”  Freedom House has published a report summary titled “Why are there no Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh?”Armenia says wants expanded transport, energy connectivity Pashinyan says Armenia is interested in the expansion of connectivity in transport, energy, telecommunications and other directions.Aliyev: Change in Armenia’s Constitution key for singing peace deal Ilham Aliyev has declared that most important condition for signing a peace agreement is for Armenia to change its Constitution.U.S. sees “extraordinary” opportunity for peace between Armenia, Azerbaijan U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes there is an “extraordinary” opportunity to reach a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. |
