PACE reiterates support for OSCE Minsk Group in Karabakh conflictApril 20, 2016 - 12:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution Tuesday, April 19, reiterating a previous stance on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. “Being convinced that a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict has no alternative, the Parliamentary Assembly reiterates its continuous support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs, the only internationally agreed mediation format, to reach a lasting and just settlement of this conflict,” the resolution said. “Therefore, we urge the parties to respect the continuous calls made by the Minsk Group Co-chairs not to undermine their mandate and complicate the ongoing negotiations.” In the statement, PACE encouraged all sides to undertake decisive steps and show the necessary political will to reach a negotiated settlement, based on proposals of the co-chairing countries – France, the U.S. and Russia -outlined in five statements at the level of their presidents since 2009. “We share the concerns regarding the escalation in the conflict zone. The use of heavy weaponry, such as mortars and rocket launchers, is unacceptable and presents a serious danger to civilian population. We deeply regret the loss of lives, including civilians,” PACE said. “The creation of a mechanism to investigate ceasefire violations together with other proposals of the Co-chairs on confidence building measures and consolidation of 1994 ceasefire agreement will contribute to the reduction of tensions and the creation of a more favorable atmosphere for advancing peace talks.” 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 | Ucom Celebrates Telecommunication Day May 17 commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication Union on May 17, 1865. Armenian, Azerbaijani heads of parliament meet in Switzerland President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Border residents overnight on highway to protest Armenia’s Residents of Kirants continue to express outrage over the government’s decision to cede land to Azerbaijan. Get Started: An educational platform for young startuppers The Get Started program which operates in two phases is an important platform for young startuppers. |