Reason for absence of progress in peaceful settlement process is Azerbaijan’s rejection of Minsk Group Co­Chairs principles

Republic of Armenia Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian talked about issues connected with the situation in the Middle East, 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement during his speech at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs of London.

“Armenpress” was informed from the Department of Press, Information and PublicRelations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia that Nalbandian thanked for the invitation and the possibility to give speech on the issues that Armenia and the region faces nowadays, adding that it is pleasant for him to be back at the Royal Institute of International Affairs of London.

Armenia Foreign Minister noted that Armenia has put joint efforts with the OSCE Minsk Group Co­Chairs; the United States, Russia and France to reach an exceptionally peaceful settlement of the conflict. The Co­Chairs have an integrated approach to the principles of Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement.

Nalbandian also emphasized that the reason for the absence of progress in the peaceful settlement process is Azerbaijan’s rejection of the principles suggested by Minsk Group Co­-Chairs.

Azerbaijan has been continuing to increase its military budget for about 30 times in a decade. As long as Azerbaijani warlike ambitions are not suppressed, it will be hard to expect real progress in the peaceful settlement negotiations

At the end of the speech, Armenia Foreign Minister touched upon his present visit to London, meeting with the Minister of State for Europe of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland David Lidington and upcoming meeting with Great Britain Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport John Whittingdale.