November 3, 2005 - 17:50 AMT
Demirel: Turkey Utterly Interested in Karabakh Peaceful Settlement
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of adoption of the Helsinki Final act Turkish former President Suleyman Demirel delivered a speech in one of Turkish institutes. He touched upon issues of unsettled conflicts on the OSCE territory, including the Nagorno Karabakh conflict issue. In his words, the unsettled state of Karabakh conflict «hampers peace, stability and cooperation in the region.» «As a neighbor country of the OSCE Minsk Conference Turkey is utterly interested in peaceful settlement of the NK conflict, which should be based on international norms and principles, specifically inviolability of borders,» he stated. «We should keep using the OSCE for encouraging Armenia and Azerbaijan movement towards an agreement. OSCE Chairman-in-Office's Special Representative has actively promoted forming of an atmosphere of confidence for many years. This helps efforts to settle the conflict, as well as preparation of OSCE activities if necessary,» the Turkish ex-President summed up, reported RFE/RL.