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Catherine Ashton: Azerbaijan and Armenia need to redouble efforts to reach agreement on basic principles before the end of this year

06 July 2011 21:33 (UTC +04:00)

"It is time to reach a solution on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Unfortunately, the expected progress in the talks in Kazan was not achieved. The presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan failed to take the opportunity to reach a compromise", - said Ashton.

She also called on both sides diplomatic solutions to conflict.

According to her, the presidential elections in 2012 in Armenia and Azerbaijan may slow down the negotiation process.

Ashton said that maintaining the status quo is unacceptable and a solution of the conflict will positively affect the development of the region. "Peaceful resolution of the conflict - a key strategic interest to the EU, the solution to this conflict will transform the South Caucasus region on the path of economic stability. Borders could not open only between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but also between Turkey and Armenia, thus the region could become closer to each other, "she said

Ashton noted that the EU stands ready to support in settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including the OSCE Minsk Group, which is directly involved in the negotiation process. "We hold regular consultations with the OSCE on what assistance can help in this matter." - said the EU high representative.

She also said that she intends to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia to discuss Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.