“In the declaration, the member states [of the ECO] openly declared that the existence of conflicts in the ECO space hinders economic development and cooperation. Besides, the declaration emphasizes that progress, peace and security in the region are directly related to sustainable development and stability,” he said.

“In general, the links between economic development, regional cooperation, peace and security is a principle accepted by the entire international community, and this is the basis of the UN concept of sustainable development.”

“Therefore, Kyrgyzstan’s position is absolutely incomprehensible,” Hajiyev said, adding such a position raises a serious question – which side is Kyrgyzstan on?

In the declaration, heads of the ECO member countries express concern that the unresolved conflicts in the ECO area, particularly the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, hamper economic development and realization of the region’s potential to the full, as well as regional cooperation and that of a wider format.

Importance of the efforts to resolve these conflicts in line with norms and principles of international law, particularly taking into consideration the territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries, is stated in the declaration.

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

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

More about: