YEREVAN (Armenpress)–OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Chairman’s special representative on the Mountainous Karabagh conflict Goran Lenmarker–on his second visit to Yerevan–met with government officials to discuss the current situation and explore ways of regulating the conflict.
In meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Vartan Oskanian–Lenmarker was informed of the present dynamics of the settlement process. After exchanging their views on prospects of a resolution to the long-standing conflict–Lenmarker said he intends to pay a fact-finding visit to Karabagh to become familiarized with the situation first-hand and meet with the residents. He noted the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s capability–together with other European organizations–of building a favorable climate around the conflict’s regulation.
Oskanian in turn stressed the enlargement of European’s organizations’ involvement in the regional issues–with both sides reiterating OSCE’s vital role in ensuring regional security and cooperation.
Lenmarker also visited the Armenian Parliament to meet with Speaker Arthur Baghdasarian–and outline the role of parliamen’s in establishing peace and cooperation. During the meeting–Baghdasarian stressed the necessity to include Karabagh in the negotiation process–as well as discussed European integration of the entire region and the importance of establishing close ties between regional countries.
Lenmarker also met with the head of Armenian delegation in the OSCE National Assembly Vice Speaker Vahan Hovhannisian. The deputy speaker stated that Armenia adheres to a peaceful regulation of the conflict–adding that Turkey’s role in the conflict must be unbiased and objective–as objectivity is one of the requiremen’s in joining the European family. Lenmarker said his mission is to provide support to the efforts of OSCE Minsk group directed towards the regulation of the conflict in Karabagh. He articulated that the South Caucasian countries must be also included in the "Wider Europe: New Neighborhood" program.
After the meeting–Lenmarker and Hovhannisian left for Karabagh.