SLOVENIA SUPPORTS THE SETTLEMENT OF THE NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT ON THE BASIS OF INTERNATIONAL PRINCIPLES – DANILO TURK
Trend
Nov 10 2009
Azerbaijan
Slovenia supports the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
on the basis of international principles, said on Monday in Baku,
President of Slovenia Danilo Turk at the joint press conference with
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev. This information was reported by
the state news agency AzerTAc.
Danilo Turk said that Slovenia is well aware of the sensitive issues
in Caucasus region. According to him, issues of security in the
Caucasus region at the same time are issues affecting the security and
cooperation in Europe. "We were not happy that the"frozen"conflicts
have persisted for so long. Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is one of the
most protracted conflicts, and during these years we have not seen
the desired progress in the settlement," – he said.
President of Slovenia believes that in the past there was some
progress, there were identified specific points for the resolution and
there is now known what steps are necessary for a peaceful settlement.
"In the past the principles of conflict resolution have been set,
and they are very clear. These principles are territorial integrity,
inviolability of borders, peaceful settlement of the conflict", –
he said.
"Standing here in Baku, I want to say that we support the increased
efforts of OSCE Minsk Group and other parties to achieve a final
solution of the problem on the basis of already defined principles
of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," – said the president of Slovenia –
"I believe that all of us, Europe are interested in this settlement,
and we all support greater efforts, which have long been waited for."
President of Slovenia is in Azerbaijan with official visit, during
which between countries there were signed five intergovernmental
agreements.
Addressing a statement, the President of Slovenia Danilo Turk thanked
Azerbaijan President for a precise description of the joint debates,
and said that Ilham Aliyev expressed thoughts about the quality
and capacity of the relations between Azerbaijan and Slovenia are
absolutely correct.
"Our countries alike. In our culture, customs and traditions also have
similarities. Of course, in our political history of the struggle for
sovereignty and independence, too, is similar, and this important part
of our history. We know and understand each other, and I am very glad
that this understanding provides a good framework for the development
of our relations", – said Danilo Turk.
Slovenian President spoke about the importance of preserving cultural
heritage. "In countries such as ours, and in our regions, we must do
such steps, to the idea of the Council of Europe and European Union
were used in the proper format. We need to know about cultural heritage
in the region. We must participate in the preservation and promotion
of cultural heritage. This can serve to strengthen peace, "- he said.
Speaking about the European Union, President Danilo Tuerk said that
the European Union – is not just an economic club, economy or merely
an economic system, but also the organization, which serves as a new
culture and promoting cultural traditions and customs.
Slovenian President praised documents signed within the visit. Danilo
Turk noted areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Slovenia:
"In the future there could be considered areas of energy and
diversification of energy transportation. We know that the
development of hydropower is on the agenda in Azerbaijan, and we
have good experience in this area. Members of our companies working
in this field are represented in the delegation. I am confident that
they will establish useful contacts and enhance cooperation in this
field. At the same time there might be promoted cooperation in the
field telecommunications, information technology, pharmaceuticals
and in other spheres, "- he said.
In conclusion President Danilo Turk has invited President Ilham Aliyev
to visit Slovenia for continued dialogue and further discussion and
development of all spheres of cooperation.