Stephen Banks: Karabakh talks should end in peace agreement

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process is rather active and the United States, as a Co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group, is interested in the soonest resolution of the dispute, a U.S. Embassy official said.



"I am not empowered to speak on behalf of the OSCE MG but I believe that the talks should end in conclusion of a peace agreement," acting U.S. vice ambassador to Armenia Stephen Banks told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.



He presumed that harsh statements both in Armenia and Azerbaijan are caused by internal motives.



As to replacement of the U.S. co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the diplomat said that the appointments are made by the U.S. President and Secretary of State.



"Matt Bryza is still holding the office but the new administration can replace him. Presently, I possess no information on the issue," Mr. Banks said.



Earlier, Bryza said he is going to leave the post of Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group.