EU deeply concerned over incidents in South CaucasusMay 24, 2011 - 14:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union's Foreign Affairs Council has discussed regional stability and conflict resolution in the South Caucasus. “The Council held an exchange of views on the current situation in the South Caucasus and a possible EU role in the region,” according to a preliminary report on the meeting published by the EU. The meeting of the European Union’s foreign ministers focused on the need for regional stability, conflict resolution and the importance of making full use of the Eastern Partnership. “The discussion took place against the background of rising tensions in the region, in particular concerning Nagorno Karabakh and Georgia,” the meeting report said. Summing up the meeting results, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said, “We have also discussed developments in the South Caucasus and exchanged views on the situation in Karabakh and Georgia. We are deeply concerned over the fatal incidents in Georgia last week and Karabakh over the weekend.” 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 | Israel warns of “serious consequences” after Armenia recognizes Palestine Dmitry Gendelman said the move will have “serious long-term consequences” for Israel-Armenia relations. French envoy travels to Armenia’s Syunik French ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies visited the town of Goris in the country’s southern Syunik province. Actress Lala Mnatsakanyan dies aged 67 Actress Lala Mnatsakanyan has died at the age of 67, according to a statement from the YSITC. CSTO says retains obligations to Armenia The CSTO retains all obligations to Armenia, the country remains an ally of the organization, Imangali Tasmagambetov says. |