U.S. envoy urges to start serious negotiations on Karabakh![]() August 20, 2014 - 16:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. envoy to Armenia John Heffern issued a video statement urging the parties to Karabakh conflict to refrain from violence. “Once again, we extend our condolences to the families of those killed and injured during the recent incidents. As Ambassador James Warlick noted earlier, Karabakh conflict is no longer frozen. We urge conflicting parties to take necessary steps to reduce tensions and respect the ceasefire. Threats and bellicose rhetoric are not helping peace efforts. There’s no military solution to this conflict. We urge conflicting sides to enter serious negotiations. Retaliation and further violence will make it more difficult to find a peaceful solution. The best way to honor the victims is to immediately end the clashes,” the envoy said in his statement. Related issues: ![]() ![]() 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. ![]() ![]() Grigoryan added that the situation around the world and particularly in the region is very difficult. The Armenian Defense Ministry has denied Azerbaijan's accusations of violating the ceasefire. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. ![]() ![]() Partner news | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |