Russia, US, France ready to host peace talks between Armenia, Azerbaijan

"During the meetings, we paid special attention to implementation of decisions taken at the recent summits in Vienna (May 2016) and St. Petersburg (June 2016). In particular, we discussed further steps that could create an atmosphere for advancing substantial negotiations that could lead to a settlement. We also exchanged views on proposals that could be discussed between the sides”, ambassadors Igor Popov of Russia, James Warlick of the United States and Pierre Andrieu of France co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group said in a joint statement.

"Our governments are prepared to host another meeting of the Presidents or Foreign Ministers at the appropriate time. We plan to visit the region in the near future", said the statement.

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 two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US are currently holding peace negotiations.

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