German FM: “Status quo cannot be long-lasting”
The current status-quo on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict cannot be long-lasting, Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said in Yerevan on Friday.
During a news conference with his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian, Mr Westerwelle said the current situation hampers the developments in the region.
"Peaceful settlement of the conflict will bring dividends to all conflicting sides, including Armenia. We think that the negotiations should continue in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group maintaining parity between the principles of territorial integrity and the people's right to self-determination," said the German official.
In reply to a German journalist's question to name the obstacles hindering the settlement of the conflict, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said that ‘Baku continues to demonstrate non-constructive behaviour violating the agreements brokered through mediators.'
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers also discussed diplomatic relations between Armenia and Germany, underlining the progress of the past years. The sides have signed about 30 agreements, with bilateral trade totaling 400 mln dollars during the reporting period.
"Today we are working at new agreement and I think that we possess greater potential for further collaboration," said Mr Nalbandian.
The interlocutors also exchanged views on the situation in Syria and Iran.
"International sanctions should be applied against Iran until the latter launches constructive negotiations with international organizations. We cannot allow Iran's nuclear armament," said the German foreign minister.
