N. Lammert: Karabakh problem resolution faces difficulties

The Speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly Hovik Abrahamian received today the delegation led by the President of the Bundestag Norbert Lammert, the press service of the National Assembly reports. The delegation is on a three-day visit to Armenia.

Welcoming the Bundestag President, Hovik Abrahaman expressed confidence that the visit will contribute to the strengthening of inter-parliamentary ties, the friendship of the two countries and their peoples, and the further development and deepening of Armenian-German relations. He stressed that Armenia is interested in the expansion of both bilateral and multilateral relations with Germany. In his words, the European vector and European integration are among the priorities of Armenia’s foreign policy.

H. Abrahamian underlined the importance of promoting inter-parliamentary cooperation with Germany as a means of encouraging the political dialog between the two countries. He spoke about the need to deepen inter-parliamentary cooperation, promote bilateral contacts and cooperation in various international organizations on issues of mutual interest.

The President of the Bundestag thanked the parliament speaker for his warm reception. He also underlined the necessity of developing inter-parliamentary cooperation, stressing that the German parliament is interested in deepening and strengthening its cooperation with Armenia. In the words of N. Lammert, the parliaments play a great role in strengthening interstate relations. He attached importance to the promotion of direct contacts and the organization of mutual visits that will help form correct ideas of problems existing in Armenia and the region.

Regional problems were also discussed at the meeting. Hovik Abrahamian said Armenia realizes the importance of strengthening peace and security and establishing an atmosphere of trust in the region. According to him, Armenia has repeatedly stated that the Karabakh conflict should be resolved only in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group, through peace talks. At the same Azerbaijan continues increasing its military budget year by year, making bellicose statements and violating the ceasefire at the line of contact. It has hindered the peaceful resolution of the conflict and the establishment of peace and stability in the region.

The speaker of Armenian parliament expressed regret over the fact that the international community has not given an adequate assessment of such behavior.

H. Abrahamian also spoke about the Armenian-Turkish normalization, saying that Armenia has always put forward constructive initiatives and remains committed to the spirit of the protocols signed in Zurich, whereas Turkey continues to set preconditions unacceptable to Armenia.

Norbert Lammert underlined the importance of regional stability and peace, noting that the difficulties the Karabakh conflict settlement faces are obvious to him.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting.