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Statement by Russian, US, French presidents on Karabakh conforms to Azerbaijan’s position

Azerbaijan wants the conflict to be settled in accordance with the principle of its territorial integrity

BAKU, June 19 (Itar-Tass) - The statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement made by the co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group conforms to Azerbaijan’s position, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Elman Abdullayev said on Wednesday.

Commenting on the G-8 summiteers’ statement on the Karabakh settlement, Abdullayev said, “Azerbaijan reiterated that it opposes the status quo, which posed the threat to stability in the region. Azerbaijan’s position is in conformity with the co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group.”

Azerbaijan wants the conflict to be settled in accordance with the principle of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. “The international community recognises these territories as Azerbaijan’s inalienable part. If we talk about the restoration of fairness, this means that the occupied Azerbaijani territories should be liberated and refugees and displaced persons should return to their homes,” the Azerbaijani diplomat said.

Abdullayev shares the view by the Russian, U.S. and French presidents saying the use of force can lead to confrontation and instability. “In order to avoid confrontation and instability the Armenian Armed Forces must leave the occupied territories of Azerbaijan,” the diplomat said.

According to earlier reports, the Russian, U.S. and French leaders urged Azerbaijan and Armenia to focus on the remaining issues of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. “We express regret that during the talks, the parties continued to get unilateral benefits instead of finding a solution based on mutual interests.” “We are convinced that further delay in reaching a balanced framework agreement, which will ensure the comprehensive peaceful settlement, is unacceptable. We urge the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders to join efforts aimed at solving the issues, which remain open,” the statement says.

The OSCE Minsk Group, which involves Russia, the United States and France, mediates the talks on the Karabakh settlement. Azerbaijan insists on preserving its territorial integrity and Armenia protects the interests of the non-recognised republic because Nagorno-Karabakh is not involved in the negotiations.

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