U.S. calls for withdrawal of snipers from Karabakh conflict zoneApril 5, 2012 - 13:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton restated her country’s support for pulling back snipers from the frontlines as a step toward decreasing tensions in Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone in response to a question from Congressman Howard Berman regarding Azerbaijan's opposition to an OSCE Minsk Group proposal, backed by both Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, for the withdrawal of snipers from the front lines. “As a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the United States remains deeply committed to helping the sides in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict reach a lasting and peaceful settlement,” Secretary Clinton said. “The U.S. has emphasized that the parties should show restraint in both their public statements and on the ground to avoid misunderstandings and unintended consequences. We reiterate at every opportunity that there is no military solution to the conflict and that only a peaceful settlement will lead to security, stability, and reconciliation in the region. We regret any loss of life and continue to call upon the sides to take steps – including the withdrawal of snipers – to improve the atmosphere for negotiations, prevent unnecessary casualties, and strengthen implementation of the ceasefire.” Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenian government besieged by protesters Protesters led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan poured into Yerevan’s Republic Square to try to surround the seat of Armenia’s government. Armenia, Russia agree on repairing railway destroyed in floods Yerevan and Moscow have agreed to repair a flood-stricken railway in northern Armenia. EU calls on Azerbaijan to release all political prisoners The European Union calls on Azerbaijan to release all those imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights. |