Yuri Merzlyakov: Nagorno Karabakh Participation in Negotiations Inevitable
Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group for the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict came out with a joint statement in Yerevan on 15 December, positively assessing the outcome of the negotiations that took place in Armenia. The statement specifies that the settlement process is going in the right direction and could contribute to the creation of the basis for the conflict settlement and strengthen the armistice on the frontline. At the same time Yuri Merzlyakov, the co-chairman representing Russia didn't exclude the possibility that the positive negotiation process would result in resumption of the thorough negotiation process in frames of the OSCE Minsk Group, presuming the participation of the Nagorno Karabagh side. Meanwhile, Yuri Merzlyakov noted that the participation of the Nagorno Karabakh side is inevitable, but this issue must be settled down not by the co-chairmen, but by the sides to the conflict.
Regarding the possibility of resorting to the "Kosovo model" for the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the U.S. co-chairmen Steven Mann stated: "I am not apt to make any similarities between Kosovo and Karabakh. He further noted that "it is encouraging that both Yerevan and Baku do really wish to settle down the conflict, but this, however, doesn't facilitate the problem. In its turn, the co-chairman of France, Bernard Fassier declared that "today there is a golden window for the settlement of the conflict lasting 1- 1,5 years, which is accounted for the absence of electoral processes in both countries".
Touching upon the possibility of Kocharyan-Aliev meeting, the co-chairs noted that at present the dates and venue of the meeting are being discussed, IA Regnum reports.
Regarding the possibility of resorting to the "Kosovo model" for the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the U.S. co-chairmen Steven Mann stated: "I am not apt to make any similarities between Kosovo and Karabakh. He further noted that "it is encouraging that both Yerevan and Baku do really wish to settle down the conflict, but this, however, doesn't facilitate the problem. In its turn, the co-chairman of France, Bernard Fassier declared that "today there is a golden window for the settlement of the conflict lasting 1- 1,5 years, which is accounted for the absence of electoral processes in both countries".
Touching upon the possibility of Kocharyan-Aliev meeting, the co-chairs noted that at present the dates and venue of the meeting are being discussed, IA Regnum reports.
