President of Nagorno Karabakh and OSCE Chairperson-In-Office discuss introduction of investigative mechanism in line of contact
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YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. President of Nagorno Karabakh Bako Sahakyan and OSCE Chairperson-In-Office Frank-Walter Steinmeier discussed issues of development and implementation of incident investigatory mechanisms in the line of contact and broadening the Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-In-Office. Foreign Minister of Nagorno Karabakh Karen Mirzoyan briefed reporters on the meeting after NKR President Bako Sahakyan held a meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Yerevan.
“The meeting proceeded in a very frank atmosphere. They exchanged ideas on a number of issues aimed at getting out the created situation. It is already quite a while that discussions are taking place on steps which would allow the resumption of talks. In particular, it’s about the development and implementation of investigative mechanisms and the broadening of the office of personal representative of the OSCE Chairperson-In-Office. We have expressed out position about this. In particular in was noted that the Nagorno Karabakhi side has expressed these suggestions for a very long time now. The Nagorno Karabakhi side has expressed other suggestions also, the implementation of which will allow overcoming the mistrust atmosphere between the conflicting sides and will pave the road for immediate negotiation process”, Mirzoyan said.
Mirzoyan added that the participation of Nagorno Karabakh in the negotiation process was also discussed at the meeting.
“This is the point which we always speak about. This is our official position. This isn’t only the demand of the Nagorno Karabakhi side, but also the objective reality. Today, without the participation of Nagorno Karabakh in all stages of the negotiations process it is impossible to ensure serious progress. In this case our position is not news for the OSCE circles. We presented it once again and it has been considered”, he said.
The meeting also focused on the fact that irrespective of the situation, there are humanitarian needs of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, which are necessary to satisfy. “OSCE – as a serious international structure, which also includes the resolution of humanitarian issues of the people living in its member states in its functions, should take measures in this direction. The issue concerns the fact that due to blockade the rights of the people of Nagorno Karabakh are being violated. In this context I think the OSCE may have a role also”, he said.
According to Mirzoyan, the more stable the situation is along the line of contact, the more the diplomats and negotiation sides will have the opportunity for constructive dialogue. Referring to the possibility of a new meeting on the Presidential level, Mirzoyan said that irrespective of the venue and date of such meeting, it is important that a meeting takes place where it will be possible to finally achieve agreements which will allow the resumption of talks.
“Today there is a definite mutual understanding that the conflict has no military solution, and the only possible way is the peaceful negotiations. The sooner Azerbaijan understands and realizes this, the sooner we will be able to move this process forward”, Mirzoyan added.
The Foreign Minister of NKR also noted that it is too soon to talk about the resumption of talks. According to him, because such talks are not present yet, meetings, contacts are ongoing, which aim at resuming the negotiation process.
The Minister also referred to the announcement of the OSCE Chairperson-In-Office, who stated that the status quo is unacceptable. “Let us understand what meaning we put under the “status quo” expression. Of course, the current situation of Nagorno Karabakh, which doesn’t ensure all rights of its people, which doesn’t ensure all opportunities of unhindered continuation of building statehood, is unacceptable. And it is necessary to take all steps for the achievements of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, the accomplishments which we gained during past years to have a legal confirmation”, Mirzoyan said.