Nagorno-Karabakh
Aktuelle Einsätze
Personal Representative of the Chairman-in-Office on the Conflict Dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference
(OSCE Other Field Activities)
Beginn: 08/95
Link zum Einsatz
Azerbaijan: Kosovo -- "an example" for separatist Karabakh (17.07.2007)
(Quelle: Reliefweb) International recognition of Kosovo as an independent state would give new impetus to the sovereignty claim of Azerbaijan's breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh, a senior separatist said on Tuesday. Those opposing independence being granted to Serbia's province of Kosovo say it will set a legal precedent that could re-ignite separatist disputes elsewhere, especially in the former Soviet Union, scene of four unresolved 'frozen conflicts.'
Who will be the next president? (13.07.2007)
(Quelle: Reliefweb) On July 19, voters in the unrecognized republic of Nagorno-Karabakh will elect a successor to Arkady Ghukasian, the former foreign minister who has served two successive presidential terms since 1997, when his predecessor Robert Kocharian was named Armenian prime minister. Of the five registered candidates, the clear favorite is Bako Sahakian, who resigned as National Security Service chairman to register for the ballot.
Armenia: Karabakh talks’ failure leads to tougher civil society stance (09.07.2007)
(Quelle: Eurasianet) Despite the recent goodwill visit by Azerbaijani intellectuals and diplomats, some Armenian civil society activists are taking an increasingly hard line on the 19-year dispute with Azerbaijan over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. A statement issued by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), a party that is a member of the governing coalition, underscored the changing mood.
"Autonomie bedeutet Krieg" (09.07.2007)
(Quelle: Der Spiegel) International ist Berg-Karabach nicht als Republik anerkannt. Ein Krieg mit dem es umgebenden Aserbaidschan droht. Im Interview mit Spiegel Online erklärt der Präsident des Gebietes, Arkadij Gukassjan, warum die Armenier im Südkaukasus trotzdem einen eigenen Staat wollen.
Karabakh leaders: seeking a seat at the negotiating table (29.06.2007)
(Quelle: Eurasianet) With talks on a resolution for the 19-year Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the skids once again, the breakaway region’s de facto authorities are increasingly pushing for a new negotiating format, one that allows them to directly participate in the process. 'The current format of negotiations, in which only Armenia and Azerbaijan are involved, is unrealistic and destructive,' Arkady Ghukasian, the de facto president of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, told reporters on June 7.
Karabakh talks grind to a halt -- again (15.06.2007)
(Quelle: Reliefweb) It has become a familiar routine: the international community launches into a figurative drum roll of anticipation ahead of a meeting between the presidents of Azerbaijani and Armenia over the future of Nagorno-Karabakh. Expectations continue to build over the possibility of a breakthrough in stalemated negotiations. Then, following the talks, there is nothing to celebrate. … Some Azerbaijani experts suggest the negotiations are caught in a fruitless cycle, with expectations continually dashed by geopolitical realities. The 2008 presidential elections in both countries -- and the recent May parliamentary elections in Armenia -- are not especially conducive to a settlement, the experts suggest.
Armenian, Azeri presidents set for “decisive” talks on Karabakh (29.05.2007)
(Quelle: Eurasia Daily Monitor) The presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to hold yet another face-to-face meeting that could result in a long-awaited breakthrough in international efforts to resolve the conflict over Karabakh. The U.S., French, and Russian diplomats acting under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group say the two warring nations have already agreed on most of the basic principles of a peaceful settlement put forward by them. The mediators hope that Presidents Robert Kocharian and Ilham Aliyev will eliminate the remaining sticking points when they meet on the sidelines of the June 9-10 summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States in St. Petersburg.
Despite cease-fire anniversary, situation remains tense in Karabakh (15.05.2007)
(Quelle: Eurasia Daily Monitor) Last week, Armenia and Azerbaijan marked the 13th anniversary of the cease-fire signed between the two governments in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, in 1994. But not only does the situation between the two countries remain tense, the prospects for peace keep getting smaller and smaller, with the risk that the current fragile status of “no war, no peace” will break at some point. Many local analysts in Baku believe that despite the official cease-fire, cross-border shootings and murders of both soldiers and civilians has not stopped since 1994.
Experts sceptical about prospects for Nagorno-Karabakh breakthrough (08.05.2007)
(Quelle: Eurasianet) Despite evidence of movement toward a settlement of the long-stalemated Nagorno-Karabakh peace talks, Azerbaijani experts remain sceptical that Azerbaijan and Armenia will settle their differences in the near future. Mediators from the OSCE’s Minsk Group have sounded optimistic notes of late about progress in negotiations. US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Minsk Group Co-Chair Matthew Bryza indicated in an interview with Voice of America that the two sides appeared on the verge of breakthroughs in several areas.
Azerbaijan: President claims key concessions made on Karabakh (07.05.2007)
(Quelle: RFE / RL) Speaking on May 4 at the ceremonial inauguration of a new settlement near Baku for displaced persons who fled their homes during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev claimed that Armenia has made key concessions regarding how that conflict is to be resolved. But both Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian and Foreign Ministry spokesman Vladimir Karapetian immediately denied that Yerevan's negotiating position has changed in any way. Explaining his rationale for violating the unwritten agreement that details of the peace process should not be made public until all aspects are finalized, Aliyev claimed that the Armenian side has already violated that agreement by distorting the nature of the agreements reached to date, zerkalo.az reported on May 5. Aliyev said a 'general agreement' has been reached on the Armenian withdrawal, which will take place step-by-step over a period of several years.
Region gears up for presidential election (27.04.2007)
(Quelle: RFE / RL) Two candidates have announced their intention to participate in the July 19 presidential elections in the unrecognized republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, and at least one more is expected to do so. Baho Sahakian, who currently heads the republic's National Security Service, and Vanya Ovanesian, a professor at Artsakh State University, reportedly announced their candidacies on April 20, the first day of nominations.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict could be close to resolution, Armenian Foreign Minister tells OSCE (17.04.2007)
(Quelle: Reliefweb) The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict could be very close to a resolution, and Armenia is committed to working with the peace plan negotiated by the OSCE Minsk Group dealing with the conflict, Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian told the OSCE Permanent Council today. … He told the Permanent Council, the 56-country Organization's main decision-making body, that the proposal now under consideration was well-balanced.
Armenia sees 'positive shift' on Karabakh (09.03.2007)
(Quelle: RFE / RL) Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian says upcoming talks in Geneva should cause 'a positive shift' toward settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reported. The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan are due to meet in Geneva on March 13-14. Speaking at a press conference in Yerevan, Oskanian said the OSCE Minsk Group of international mediators wants the foreign ministers to prepare the ground for a meeting between Armenian President Robert Kocharian and his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, in May.
OSCE urges compromise on Nagorno-Karabakh (29.01.2007)
(Quelle: RFE / RL) An international group that aims to bring about a peaceful resolution over the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh has called on Azerbaijan and Armenia to prepare for compromise. The statement came from the Minsk Group, which was founded by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and is co-chaired by Russia, France, and the United States.
Armenian, Azerbaijani foreign ministers meet on Karabakh (23.01.2007)
(Quelle: RFE / RL) The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met in Moscow today for talks on the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. … The Armenian Foreign Ministry said both sides have agreed to pursue negotiations.
The challenge of de-mining Karabakh (12.01.2007)
(Quelle: Eurasianet) As preparations reportedly begin for fresh talks on January 23 between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the breakaway territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, attention is again focusing on questions of displaced persons and borders. But lingering in this remote mountainous region is an issue that threatens to undermine any chances for peace with a particularly devastating impact: land mines. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have indicated that mine clearance is a topic that could prolong negotiations over the status of the self-declared Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Nagorno-Karabakh talks to resume this month (09.01.2007)
(Quelle: RFE/RL) Armenia's foreign minister says he will meet with his Azerbaijani counterpart on January 23 in Moscow to renew talks on the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Vardan Oskanian said Armenia will continue to insist on the right to self-determination for Nagorno-Karabakh.
OSCE Chairman concerned over constitutional referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh (12.12.2006)
(Quelle: Reliefweb) The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, said today that the OSCE will not recognize the referendum on a draft constitution held in Nagorno-Karabakh on Sunday. 'Such a referendum is counter-productive to the ongoing conflict settlement process, which has recently shown visible progress, as acknowledged by the parties,' said Minister De Gucht.
Nagornoi-Karabakh gains a constitution, but little clarity for future (12.12.2006)
(Quelle: EurasiaNet) The disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, a remote, predominantly ethnic Armenian region formerly held by Azerbaijan, gained a constitution on December 10, but the impact of the vote remains contentious. The international community, if it followed the referendum at all, criticized it as a potential threat to ongoing, delicate talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the territory. But for the separatist leadership itself, the vote was no more than a natural step in its 15-year journey toward full-fledged independence.
Nagorny Karabakh passes separatist constitution (11.12.2006)
(Quelle: Reliefweb) Azerbaijan's breakaway region of Nagorny Karabakh overwhelmingly approved a constitution declaring itself an independent state, according to official results announced Monday. More than 98 percent of participating voters in the unrecognised republic voted 'yes' in Sunday's poll, preliminary results from the central electoral commission showed.
OSCE says solution in sight (05.12.2006)
(Quelle: RFE / RL) In a statement today, the OSCE said that negotiations in 2006 have brought Armenia and Azerbaijan 'closer to agreement on the basic principles for the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.' The OSCE also urged the 'presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan to redouble their efforts in the coming year to finalize these basic principles as soon as possible.' The statement was less strong than earlier comments by the OSCE's chairman-in-office, Karel De Gucht.
Yerevan, Baku discuss Nagorno-Karabakh referendum (01.12.2006)
(Quelle: RFE / RL) Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oksanian today said that Armenia and Azerbaijan are discussing terms of holding a referendum on the status of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Oksanian said the question of whether the region could be autonomous within Azerbaijan is an important part of the talks.
Azerbaijani President affirms OSCE mediation role (04.10.2006)
(Quelle: RFE / RL) In an address to the Azerbaijani parliament, President Aliyev affirmed on October 2 his support for the international mediation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by the OSCE, according to Lider-TV. Aliyev said that 'we are not thinking of giving up the format of the OSCE Minsk Group,' but, referring to recent UN attention to the conflict, added that 'at the same time, we think that other organizations' participation may help resolve the issue.'
Azerbaijan leader urges aggressive methods to get back enclave (02.10.2006)
(Quelle: Reliefweb) Azerbaijan must use aggressive methods against its neighbour Armenia in order to get back the Nagorny Karabakh enclave, President Ilham Aliyev told parliament in its opening session Monday. 'Our policies must be aggressive. We must attack,' Aliyev said, adding that Azerbaijan could use economic and political pressure to force Armenia to give up control of the ethnic-Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan. … His comments come ahead of the arrival here Tuesday of the heads of the so-called Minsk Group, a tri-party committee mediating the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.
Armenian Foreign Minister says peace negotiators optimistic (13.09.2006)
(Quelle: RFE / RL) Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian has told RFE/RL that international mediators involved in negotiations on a Nagorno-Karabakh peace settlement believe a framework peace agreement is still possible this year. He spoke with RFE/RL's Armenian Service by telephone on September 12 after talks in Paris with the U.S., French, and Russian co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group that mediates the negotiations.
Azerbaijan targets OSCE Special Representative for criticism (28.08.2006)
(Quelle: Eurasianet) Azerbaijan’s patience is wearing thin over the lack of movement toward Nagorno-Karabakh peace settlement, and officials in Baku are taking out their frustration on the OSCE’s trouble-shooter responsible for monitoring the cease-fire.
OSCE bombshell reveals Karabakh position (07.08.2006)
(Quelle: ISN Security Watch) In the latest in a series of diplomatic bombshells to hit the South Caucasus, Matthew Bryza, the new US co-chairman of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) Minsk Group, announced last week that he had bad news for Azerbaijan. In an interview remarkable for its candor, Bryza told Radio Free Europe – Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on 26 July that as part of its overall framework for ending the 12-year stalemate over Nagorno-Karabakh, the Minsk Group was urging a referendum for Karabakh’s population to determine the enclave’s future status.
Gloom over Karabakh peace process (03.08.2006)
(Quelle: IWPR) All sides remain pessimistic about the peace process in Nagorny Karabakh, despite a visit by the newly-appointed American negotiator to the region intended to breathe new life into negotiations. Matthew Bryza – who was appointed as the United States co-chair of the OSCE’s Minsk Group on Karabakh in June – has visited Karabakh, Armenia and Azerbaijan during the past week. He said little in public following his meetings, but some saw his trip as a sign Washington, at least, is determined to move the process along despite recent setbacks.
Karabakh disclosure dashes Azerbaijani hopes (14.07.2006)
(Quelle: ISN Security Watch) Growing discontent over Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations may fuel a call for war among Azerbaijanis. The sudden disclosure of details from a draft peace agreement on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has sparked a surge in pro-war sentiments in Azerbaijan, analysts say, amid a growing conviction that negotiations with Armenia serve little purpose. The tone for Azerbaijan’s official reaction was set on 22 June when President Ilham Aliyev, addressing military school graduates, termed the so-called 'Prague process' of regular talks about the disputed enclave 'ineffective.'
OSCE catches region off guard (01.07.2006)
(Quelle: Eurasianet) In an interview with RFE/RL on June 22, the US official tasked with mediating peace talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave indicated he and fellow diplomats had done as much as they could to foster a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Matthew Bryza, who serves together with French and Russian co-chairs to the OSCE Minsk Group, disclosed details about the framework agreement on the table and said it was time for the countries' leadership to summon the 'political will' necessary to achieve a resolution.