(I) A brief introduction to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

The Nagorno-Karabakh region is located within the territory of Azerbaijan. It has an area of 4400 square kilometers and a population of 180 thousand of which 80% are ethnic Armenian. In the past, there has always been dispute between the Armenians and the Azerbaijans with regard to the status of Nagorno-Karabakh. In February 1988, the authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh declared breaking off relations with Azerbaijan and joining Armenia resulting in conflict between the Armenians and the Azerbaijans. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the conflict gradually evolved into a war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armeniz occupied Ngorno-Karabakh and its surrounding areas. Under the mediation of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan both accepted a ceasefire in May 1994. Both countries accepted the mediation of the Minsk group (the three chairmen being Russia, the United States and France) of OSCE.

The Presidents of Amenia and Azerbaijan have met many times since 1999 but no major progress has been made so far in resolving the issue. At the moment, the two countries are continuing their efforts to seek a solution to the issue under the mediation of the Minsk group of OSCE.

(II) China's position on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue

The Chinese government respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states and hopes that Anmenia and Azerbaijan can speedily find a just and reasonable solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue through peaceful negotiations and which is acceptable to both sides. The Chinese government supports all the efforts of the international community aimed at a peaceful solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue and stands ready to make its own contribution in the United Nations and other international gatherings for the promotion of the peaceful settlement of this issue.