The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi Di Maio, held telephone talks with his Armenian counterpart, Ara Ayvazyan, concerning the situation in Nagorno Karabakh and future prospects in the Region.
The Minister reiterated Italy’s satisfaction on receiving news of the tripartite declaration made on 9 November, which brought hostilities to an end. He praised the fact that the ceasefire was holding, and stressed the importance at this stage of concentrating on reducing tensions, humanitarian aid, and the return of dispersed people.
According to Minister Di Maio, respecting the commitments made by the parties and stabilising the region could pave the way to restarting negotiations, with a view to an all-encompassing and sustainable solution to the conflict. This should include the future status of Nagorno Karabakh and ensure complete safeguarding of the respective cultural and religious heritages in the area. The Minister reiterated Italy’s support for the Minsk Group and the Co-Chairs format, in the hope that – once the situation has stabilised – it may effectively and credibly take up its task of mediation once again, and in the meantime promote confidence building measures.
The Minister gave the assurance that Italy is willing to contribute towards relaunching the negotiating process, for the good of the two sections of the population, in order to benefit regional stability. In this regard, he backed the prospects of regional integration, which lasting peace could unlock, emphasising the importance of reconciliation between the parties.
