“168 Zham” newspaper held an interview with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland. Speaking of the prospects of the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation, Jagland expressed hope that the ratification process might resume. He stressed that neither of the sides should set preconditions not mentioned in the Protocols. Both sides should adhere to the process, though it is a complicated one, he added.

Thorbjorn Jagland also stated that he is attentively following the Karabakh peace process and is aware of the recent incident on the contact line. He called the incident very dangerous, noting that it might grow into something worse. “I hope the sides will try to stabilize the situation and maintain ceasefire regime,” the Secretary General told the newspaper.

As to the role of the Council of Europe in the Karabakh peace process, Jagland said that the organization cannot participate in the negotiations, as it is the task of the OSCE Minsk Group. He also added that this fact should be recognized by everyone. However, if the Council of Europe is requested, it can assist in the rapprochement at different levels.  

The Secretary General also stated risk of war exists until the final settlement is reached.  Thus, the sides should avoid such incidents on the contact line. Any escalation might grow into something serious or go beyond control, he noted. The official stressed that joining the Council of Europe, Armenia and Azerbaijan took on a commitment to settle the conflict through peaceful negotiations.