James Warlick: To solve Karabakh conflict one should operate based on realism and look into the future
“The 20th anniversary of the ceasefire is nearing. I consider that it is necessary to find the way of peace and development in the region,” said U.S. co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group James Warlick in Azerbaijan, APA reports.
“I am looking forward to contributing to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is high time to put an end to the sufferings and hatred lasting for more than twenty years,” he said.
According to him, it is high time for OSCE Minsk Group and its co-chairs to work together with Azerbaijan, Armenia and other countries of the region and to take necessary steps towards the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. “It's time for both sides to demonstrate political will and take courageous steps for the resolution of the conflict,” he said.
Noting that he is looking forward to working with his Russian and French colleagues, Warlick stressed that his work will be “based on realism and pragmatism so that both parties can find the solution.”
“This conflict has been going on for more than 20 years, many people have tried to help solve the problem. I hope that all parties realize that the achievement of lasting peace is within their interests,” added Warlick.
Asked whether he recognizes the fact of the occupation of Azerbaijan’s territories the diplomat said: “I’m here to listen to all the sides and understand the situation better. I’m not here because of the past, I’m here to look forward and resolve the conflict.”
Warlick said that he would meet with the OSCE Secretary General in Vienna soon and hold meetings with his French and Russian colleagues within the 68th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
This is the first visit of James Warlick to Azerbaijan and the region in capacity of the U.S. co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group. U.S. co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group will visit Yerevan and Nagorno Karabakh afterwards.