Recognition of the “independence” of Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh separatist region could lead to a dangerous military response from Azerbaijan, James Warlick, the OSCE Minsk Group’s US co-chair, exclusively told Trend.
“Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have committed themselves to a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” he said Oct. 10, commenting on the conflict’s settlement.
“We hold them to their commitment and continue to work with the sides on a negotiated settlement,” said Warlick.
He further noted that tensions in the region are high, and the OSCE Minsk Group has cautioned the sides against taking steps that would lead to another escalation.
“The co-chairs will travel to the region later this month to meet the presidents and prepare for their next summit,” said Warlick. “We expect their meeting to advance the negotiation process and contribute to the stabilization of the security situation.”
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US are currently holding peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented the UN Security Council’s four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.
Trend