YEREVAN (Armenpress)–National Assembly Vice-speaker Tigran Torosian criticized Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) rapporteur on Mountainous Karabagh David Atkinson–for failing to consult with the OSCE Minsk Group–tasked to find a resolution to the conflict–and establish ongoing contacts with Armenian and Azeri delegations before presenting his report during PACE’s November 17 session in Paris.
According to Torosian–who heads Armenia’s delegation to PACE–Atkinson’s recent report on Mountainous Karabagh had not changed greatly from its September 14 report. He also said that while the draft resolution is improved–it does not contain all proposals put forth by the Armenian delegation.
Concerned that Azerbaijan is increasingly being perceived in Europe as the victim of the conflict–he said Armenian authorities must revise their practical approach in order to counter Azerbaijan’s aggressive policy in international organizations–especially in light of Turkey’s increased backstage efforts to find a resolution.
The PACE report does call on both Armenian and Azeri officials to meet in Strasbourg to decide on Karabagh’s future status. It also calls on the conflicting sides to withdraw their troops and refrain from military activates.
Torosian stressed the necessity for Armenia to intensify efforts in the international arena–and refrain from a policy of mutual accusations and "behind-the-scene" talks in parliament.