One must adhere to int’l law in Karabakh conflict settlement – French secretary of state

Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 26 By Seba Aghayeva - Trend: One must adhere to the norms and principles of international law in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement, French Secretary of State for European Affairs Harlem Désir said in Baku Apr. 26 at a press conference. He said that during his current visit to the region he handed over a message to the sides regarding the need for peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. France, together with Russia and the US will make every effort for peaceful resolution of the conflict, according to him. There is no military solution to the conflict, Désir said. The position of Paris is unchangeable, he said, adding that France advocates the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Asebaa Story still developing