Solution to Karabakh conflict should be within political, legal framework: Putin
03.12.2013,
12:12
Resolution to Karabakh conflict should be found within the political and legal framework only, Russia’s president Vladimir Putin said at a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan.
YEREVAN, December 3. /ARKA/. Resolution to Karabakh conflict should be found within the political and legal framework only, Russia’s president Vladimir Putin said at a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan.
In responding the question about Russia’s possible actions if Azerbaijan implements its rhetorical threats Putin said speaking about it is counterproductive and may be interpreted as a preparation for a war.
Russia’s president welcomed resumption of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and stressed Russia, will make every effort for peaceful settlement of the conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group.
The Karabakh conflict started in 1988 when prevailingly Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh declared withdrawal from Azerbaijan. On December 10, 1991, a referendum was held in Nagorno-Karabakh where 99.89% voted for independence from Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan responded by large-scale military operations that led to loss of control not only over Nagorno-Karabakh itself, but also over seven adjoining areas. About 25-30 thousands people were killed and about a million had to leave their homes during the military operations.
A trilateral cease-fire agreement was signed on May 12, 2004, and has been followed since then.
The ongoing Karabakh peace process started in 1992 under auspices of OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired by the USA, Russia and France. –0—
