Negotiations show that Armenian-Azerbaijani peace agreement is close - Belgian Foreign Minister

YEREVAN, August 22. /ARKA/. The negotiations have shown that the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace agreement is close, Hadja Lahbib, Belgian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Foreign Trade, Federal Cultural Institutions said today in Yerevan.

"The duty of the leaders of both countries is to do everything to allow Armenians and Azerbaijanis to live in peace. New consultations should take place in Brussels, as well as in Yerevan and Baku. We hope they will lead to a historic turning point," Lahbib said at a joint press briefing with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

According to the Belgian minister, the only way out of this historic conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is through negotiations and compromises.

"I am also here to assist you in the settlement of that conflict, which has not found a solution for more than a hundred years and has claimed many lives. I have informed you how concerned Belgium is about the tension in Nagorno-Karabakh. I firmly tell you that the only way out of this historic conflict is the path of negotiations and compromises, even if it is difficult to achieve," Lahbib said.

She noted that she will make the same statement when meets with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister in Baku. At the same time, Lahbib noted that in Baku she will also declare the necessity of observing the right and security of Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh.

"The lives of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh are in danger and this is unacceptable. Belgium fully accepts the EU position and Azerbaijan's obligation to ensure the security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh and free movement along the Lachin corridor. Belgium, as well as the EU, will continue to insist on this in their diplomatic contacts and act in this direction," Lahbib said. --0--