ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN REALIZE NECESSITY OF KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT, PACE RAPPORTEUR STATED

Armenia and Azerbaijan realize the necessity of settling the Karabakh conflict as it complicates the political and economic situation in the region, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe rapporteur on Nagorno Karabakh Terry Davis stated when resuming the outcomes of the meeting of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs and Azeri and Armenian foreign ministers held in Strasbourg May 13. As it was reported to Arminfo agency in the Council of Europe office, Mr. Davis underscored that the economies of Armenia and Azerbaijan need stability and financial support. Meanwhile, huge budget funds are spent for covering military expenses. However, the humanitarian situation in these countries still remains the most serious, the rapporteur noted, adding that a great number of refugees, huge defense expenses, domestic and regional instability logically proceed from this situation. In his words, the skilled and independent secretariat of the Council of Europe is able to provide considerable assistance for the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. According to the source, T. Davis is preparing a report on the Karabakh conflict, which will be submitted to PACE consideration in autumn.