Azerbaijan, Armenia agree to continue discussions on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in early 2014

Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 5 By Saba Agayeva - Trend: Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers and OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen at a meeting in Kiev have agreed to continue discussions on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement in early 2014, spokesman for Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Elman Abdullayev told Trend today. He was commenting on the meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers. Abdullayev stressed that Azerbaijan will continue exerting its efforts for a just settlement of the conflict based on international norms and principles which is also required by the international community. "Our internally displaced people and refugees have been waiting for more than 20 years for the moment when they can return home," he added. "Their rights to return home were repeatedly stressed by OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen, as well as in resolutions and documents adopted by international organisations." "The conflict settlement will contribute to the restoration of peace and stability in the region, as well as its development," Abdullayev said. "Azerbaijan has always been guided by the rule of law and international law." Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers met in Kiev during the 20th meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council. The Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents met in Vienna in November. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the U.S. are currently holding peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.