ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland, June 18 (UPI) -- World leaders Tuesday called for continued peaceful negotiations over the future of the Nagorno-Karabakh region in Azerbaijan.
President Obama of the United States, Vladimir Putin of Russia and Francois Hollande of France released a statement as the Group of Eight summit in Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, concluded.
"We, the presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries -- France, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America -- remain committed to helping the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict reach a lasting and peaceful settlement," the statement said. "We express our deep regret that, rather than trying to find a solution based upon mutual interests, the parties have continued to seek one-sided advantage in the negotiation process."
Nagorno-Karabakh, a region that became part of the Russian Empire in the 19th century, has been effectively independent since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The area was part of Soviet Azerbaijan, and most other countries do not recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
About 85 percent of the residents are Armenian, most of them Christian, while Azerbaijan's population is mostly Muslim.
"We reiterate that only a negotiated settlement can lead to peace, stability, and reconciliation, opening opportunities for regional development and cooperation," the joint statement said. "The use of military force that has already created the current situation of confrontation and instability will not resolve the conflict."
