Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister addresses OSCE FM Council`s session in Vilnius
Vilnius, December 7 (AZERTAC). Taking part at session of the OSCE Foreign Ministers` Council Summit in the capital of Lithuania FM of Azerbaijan E. Mammadyarov addressed the forum. He thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania for hospitality and good organization of the action.
The Minister noted that Azerbaijan concerns OSCE as the unique regional organization in which participates in quality of a full member. This organization promotes advancement of open dialogue between the member states, the resolution of conflict in their territories, to cooperation strengthening on security issues on the basis of the coordinated principles and obligations.
Mammadyarov brought to the notice of session participants that for the last years Azerbaijan shows the highest growth in economic development in the world. Over the last 5 years it was possible to treble volume of GDP and increase by 10 times in the state budget. “Azerbaijan is ready to share positive experience also in security sphere: it is the work on mine clearing, fight against terrorism, the organized crime, the drug trafficking”, he stressed.
Azerbaijan constantly takes measures in the field of protection of human rights. “We are convinced that these efforts will allow to strengthen our general development, the further integration of Azerbaijan into the OSCE”, Mammadyarov underlined.
Azerbaijan plays defining role for the future of the Southern Caucasus also in the cause of maintenance of the European energy security.
“Our country develops set of trans-regional projects and consequently we expect that threats to our territorial integrity and sovereignty will be considered not only in the context of security of Azerbaijan, but also in wider context of the European security, stability and development”, the Minister emphasized.
The Nagorno Karabakh conflict is big threat to development of region. Peace process is today at very important stage. The Minister noted that continuation of keeping the status-quo is threat for security in region. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs have many times declared unacceptability of the status-quo.
Last proposal on actualization of the Madrid principles made by all three co-chair countries, have been handed over to the parties and Azerbaijan has stated readiness to continue negotiations, including drawing up of the final peace treaty. “Unfortunately, Armenia has refused this offer. Progress in negotiating process depends on how much Armenia wishes to change the status quo with a view of achievement of the steady peace not only in region, but also beyond it”, Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister stated.
Mammadyarov underlined that for today the main task is the trust building between Azerbaijan and Armenia. For this purpose, it is necessary to work hard. “More than one million refugees and 20 percent of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan are severe factors in this question. We consider that more direct contacts and meetings between representatives of the Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of Nagorno Karabakh will be one of steps to this direction”, - the Minister said. Increase in number of personal contacts, as he said, can change atmosphere in this confrontation.
Speaking of increase in budgetary expenses at military sphere that is connected with the occupation of the Azerbaijani territories, Mammadyarov said that it negatively affects socio-economic life of the country. “It is possible to imagine what possibilities will appear in region as soon as Armenia will begin gradual withdrawal of troops from our territory. I speak only about the beginning of gradual withdrawal of troops. It will open huge possibilities for establishment of stability in region”, the Minister stated. Restoration of the destroyed communications, opening of economic possibilities, creation of the predicted environment safety becomes mutually advantageous.
The Minister said that Azerbaijan is ready to necessary compromises on the basis of the accepted norms and principles. The Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of the Nagorno Karabakh region of Azerbaijan should have all rights which enter the self-governance frameworks.
“Next year we shall mark the 20th anniversary of negotiations of the OSCE Minsk Group. Unfortunately, up to date, there is no essential move in this process. The people of Azerbaijan still hope that the Armenian people will understand advantages of the steady resolution of conflict. It will open a way for regional cooperation and development of all Southern Caucasus”", - Mammadyarov underlined.
The Minister finally noted that Azerbaijan supports nominees of Switzerland and Serbia for acting presidency in 2014-2015s.
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