GORAN LENMARKER REMAIS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF SOLVING THE KARABAKH CONFLICT THIS YEAR
armradio.am
10.03.2010 11:56
"I remain optimistic about the possibility of solving the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict this year. To have a preamble is a good
starting point. I have big expectations that there really is a
political will in both Baku and Yerevan to move forward and find a
peaceful and lasting solution," OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Special
Representative on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Goran Lennmarker told
Trend News in an interview.
"I think both Azerbaijan and Armenia have realized that having an
unresolved conflict is costly – not least when it comes to the human
suffering. The short war in Georgia in 2008 reminded all of us that
unresolved conflicts are very dangerous," he added.
Touching upon the Armenian-Turkish relations, Mr. Lenmarker said:
"I find the contact between Turkey and Armenia and the protocols they
signed very important, and I think a real breakthrough is possible. Of
course, now it is up to the Parliaments of Armenia and Turkey to take
this a step further. I think this entire process can provide positive
prospects, not only for Armenia and Turkey, but for the entire region
of Caucasus and beyond.
I see no reason why the peoples of Armenia and Turkey should not
interact; on the contrary, contact is necessary to build good
neighborly relations. One natural goal would be to open borders in
the region – so that people and goods can move freely. Closed borders
only hinder growth."
"The South Caucasus has seen enough victims and destruction – now is
the time to show courage to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict."
Goran Lenmarker stated.