Romanian FM: There Is Hope for Progress in Karabakh IssueMay 24, 2006 - 16:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Azerbaijan "strives for just and stable peace in the region and prefers the stepwise settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said. In his words, first the Armenian armed forces should abandon the territories around Nagorno Karabakh where the refugees will return immediately. At the second stage the displaced persons should return to Shushi and other towns. "Only after that the status of Nagorno Karabakh can be considered,' he said. Judging from the sequence sounded by the Azeri FM no progress can be expected in the conflict settlement in the near future. "The Armenian side demands guarantees for the right to self-determination of the Nagorno Karabakh population in exchange for releasing the territories around Karabakh. Return of Lachin and Shushi is not discussed. Return of Kelbajar is doubtful. The positions of the sides have not come closer for a centimeter," New Time Baku-based newspaper says. For his part Romanian Foreign Minister Mihai-Razvan Ungureanu remarked that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict was many times discussed by the CoE. "Presently a hope for progress appeared. Political dialogue is of utmost importance at the current stage of the talks. The meeting of the Presidents may contribute to the alleviation of tension," he said. 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 | Aliyev: No peace treaty unless Armenia changes constitution Azerbaijan will not sign a peace treaty with Armenia unless the latter changes its constitution, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said. Seven injured in massive gas station explosion in Armenia The Investigative Committee of Armenia has unveiled details about a massive explosion at a gas station on the Yerevan-Sevan highway. Pashinyan’s spokesperson denies intention to visit Baku for COP29 Pashinyan’s agenda doesn’t include a trip to Baku for the COP29 conference, his press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan has said. Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. |