ARMENIA/AZERBAIJAN: Azerbaijani and Armenian Women' Organizations Should be Involved in Karabakh Conflict Resolution

Date: 
Friday, October 15, 2010
Source: 
Trend
Countries: 
Asia
Central Asia
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
General Women, Peace and Security
Peace Processes

The Azerbaijani and Armenian women' organizations should be involved in resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Secretary General of the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation Lena Ag told journalists today.

"The conflicts that occur in this or that country or region negatively impact not only men, but also women. Thus, women should be given a right to vote in adopting a decision on this matter," Ag said. "Diplomats of the OSCE Minsk Group should involve the women' organizations from Azerbaijan and Armenia in the process of resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict."

Ag is on visit to Baku to attend the international conference on "The tenth anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325: Achievements and Prospects" organized by the Azerbaijani State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs.

The Security Council adopted the Resolution 1325 on women and peace and security on 31 October 2000. The resolution reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the U.S. - are currently holding the peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.