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OSCE Chairman-in-Office Miguel Angel Moratinos: I am satisfied with the efforts of Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders in order to find peaceful solution to the conflict

14 February 2007 14:57 (UTC +04:00)

-Mr. Moratinos, a few days ago you met with the co-chairs of the Minsk Group of OSCE. Which questions have you discussed with them?
- One of the priorities of the Spanish Chairmanship is our firm desire of cooperation in order to find a solution to the protracted conflicts in the OSCE area. We are conscious that the sides directly involved should be the protagonists of the process.
I am at their entire disposal in order to help facilitate their task and that of the mediators in their effort to find a peaceful and satisfactory solution. The co-chairs briefed us extensively about their contacts with the authorities of the parties and their ideas in order to cooperate in finding the best solution.
- How do you estimate the current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh?
- After the foresaid meeting with the co-chairs of the Minsk Group and the one I had with the Personal Representative of the Chair, I am reasonably satisfied when considering the efforts made by the leaders of both countries in order to find a negotiated solution, acceptable to all parties involved.
- Which steps are you going to take to solve Nagorno-Karabakh problem being the chair of OSCE?
- As I already mentioned, my wish is to work as a facilitator and I have the intention of meeting this year with the government and authorities of the sides involved in the conflict, on the one hand, and the mediators, on other, so as to get to know their concerns and to help implement the suggestions that will allow them to bridge the existing differences.
- How do you estimate the 2006 in terms of solving the conflict?
- 2006 has been a positive year thanks, in the first place, to the Group Minsk mediators, but also to several constructive meetings in the framework of the Prague Process of bilateral encounters between Heads of State and Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both countries. The OSCE welcomed this initiative last December, and congratulated the rapprochement between the sides regarding principles in order to solve the conflict. I believe that this effort should be increased and sustained in the future.
- When are you planning to visit Baku? We have information that the opening of the Spanish Embassy in Baku will be held during your visit to Bakuâ€¦
- My visit to Azerbaijan and Armenia will take place probably before next summer. You are already well informed about our decision to open in a very near future a resident Embassy in Baku. We hope it will be operative this year.
- Which steps do you prioritize in your future chairmanship of OSCE in 2007?
- Security in the OSCE area and cooperation between all participant States has been and should continue to be the main goal of the Organization and of course of the Spanish Chairmanship. This cooperation should be achieved through a frank and comprehensive dialogue amongst member states, encompassing all the fields of activity of the Organisation. Regarding the politico-military dimension, we should intensify our fight against terrorism and continue our whole hearted support of its victims.
About the economic and environmental dimension, the fight against soil degradation and an efficient and sustainable water management are essential elements for a safer future. Finally, in relation to the Human dimension, every possible endeavor will be considered in order to prevent discrimination in our plural societies as a firm and solid base for our security and prosperity./APA/