OSCE MG calls to refrain from maximalist initiatives and belligerent rhetoricJuly 22, 2008 - 15:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs (Ambassador Yuri Merzylakov of the Russian Federation; Ambassador Bernard Fassier of France; Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza of the United States) welcome the constructive engagement of Presidents Aliyev and Sargsyan following their June 6 meeting in St. Petersburg and the Co-Chairs' June 27-28 trip to the region, says the Co-chairs' statement posted on the website of the OSCE. "At this important juncture, the Co-Chairs call on all parties to refrain from maximalist initiatives on the ground, at the negotiating table, and in their public statements, and to avoid all belligerent rhetoric, as we work together in pursuit of a peaceful settlement. There is no military solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Both Presidents called for invigorated Minsk Group talks during their meeting in St. Petersburg. The Co-Chairs look forward to meeting again with the Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers in the coming weeks to press forward with negotiations on the Basic Principles for the peaceful settlement of the conflict," the statement says. 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 | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |