Bernard Fassier advises optimism in Karabakh settlementDecember 19, 2011 - 19:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Mediation in Karabakh settlement is a complicated task, with conflicting parties often refusing to agree to mediators’ proposals, according to outgoing French co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group. At news conference in Baku, Bernard Fassier noted the reviewed Madrid Principles as a positive factor in Karabakh settlement talks, also characterizing a possibility for co-chair’s visit to Karabakh as a sign of progress. “Unfortunately, Kazan-hosted meeting between the presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia didn’t justify itself. Still, we must be optimistic and hope for progress in Karabakh settlement talks,” the outgoing co-chair concluded. At June 24 meeting in Kazan, the Presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia failed to sign an agreement on basic principles of Karabakh conflict settlement. As Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian noted later, despite the OSCE MG co-chairs’ efforts, Azerbaijan was not ready to accept the final version of basic principles, presenting ten new amendments at the last moment. 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 | Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. For the first time, Armenia votes in favor of Georgia resolution in UN Armenia on Tuesday, June 4 voted for the first time in favor a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Moscow warns Armenia against leaving Russian-led defense bloc Armenia could ruin its military ties with Russia if it continues drifting towards the West, according to a senior official in Moscow. Moscow says ready to support Yerevan-Baku reconciliation Moscow has confirmed its readiness to support the reconciliation of Yerevan and Baku. |