Ukraine considers OSCE as unique platform for Nagorno-Karabakh conflict dialogue

Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 6 / Trend S. Aghayeva / Ukraine considers OSCE as being a unique platform for dialogue between the parties of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Ukrainian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Alexander Mishchenko said at a briefing in connection with the 21st Anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations on Wednesday. "One of the Ukraine's key priorities in OSCE is to facilitate the resolution of protracted regional conflicts," Mishchenko said. He said Ukraine will seek to make progress in the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by moving negotiations under the current format forward. Mischenko noted that Ukrainian Foreign Minister, OSCE chairman Leonid Kozhara plans to discuss these issues during his visit to Azerbaijan in the first half of the year. 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 surrounding regions Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az