OSCE Chairman-in-Office reiterates support for dialogue on Nagorno-Karabakh

BAKU, 2 March 2001 - The Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, has reiterated his strong support for the dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia on a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

During a visit to Baku, Mr. Geoana stated that there is reason for cautious optimism ahead of the resumption of talks in Paris on 4 March between the Presidents of the two countries. "The current direct dialogue is of critical importance. The OSCE is ready to give all its support to this process," said Mr. Geoana.

The Chairman-in-Office stated that the involvement and support of the OSCE Minsk Group was complementary to the direct dialogue between the countries. He emphasized however that this did not mean that the Minsk Group would become passive; on the contrary, the OSCE Minsk Group will remain a partner in the efforts to reach a settlement of the conflict.

"A lasting agreement depends on the readiness of all parties to show flexibility," said Mr. Geoana. "If there is progress, the international community will act quickly to assist in the post conflict rehabilitation process."

During his visit to Baku, the Chairman-in-Office had a tete-a-tete meeting with the President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev. He also met with the Speaker of Parliament Murtuz Aleskerov, Prime Minister Artur Rasizadeh and Foreign Minister Vilayat Guliyev, as well as with representatives of civil society, political parties and the international community.

The Chairman-in-Office also visited an encampment for persons displaced by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He expressed his deep sympathy for the plight of those on both sides of the conflict who have been forced to flee their homes. He stressed that the right of refugees and displaced persons to return must be a central part of any lasting solution.

The visit to Azerbaijan concluded a four-day tour of the Southern Caucasus, during which the OSCE Chairman-in-Office visited Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan.