Merzlyakov: Armenia Interested in OSCE MG New ProposalsApril 12, 2006 - 21:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The new proposals on settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict that the co-chairs presented through the United States are about principles of the settlement of the conflict, Russian co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Yuri Merzlyakov said. Referring to his meeting with Armenia's Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian in Moscow on 5-7 April, the co-chair called it efficient and constructive. The co-chair said Armenia shows much interest towards the new proposals. Commenting on the US active participation in mediation after the talks at Rambouillet, Yuri Merzlyakov said there is no competition on the matter of who visits the region more often. "Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev is due to have talks with US President in late April, but Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Azerbaijani President following the talks at Rambouillet," the Russian co-chair said. At the same time, Merzlyakov said it is early to speak of a meeting between the Armenian and Azeri leaders. "The first proposal is made for the time present, how and when the meeting will be held is still subject to discussion," he believes. Commenting on the question whether French co-chair Bernard Fassier's recent statement that "current proposals can satisfy both sides 80 percent" means that 20 percent of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan will be liberated, the Russian co-chair said, "I cannot calculate how much percent the future agreement will satisfy the sides. The main idea is as follows: the parties should not expect meeting their needs 100 percent. The main thing is not meeting one side's needs 80 percent and the other's 20 percent. If the agreement satisfies both sides 50 percent, I would think I have fulfilled the mediation mission," the co-chair underscored, reports APA. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. Armenia calls for prohibiting threats of attacks on nuclear facilities Armenia has raised the need for a treaty prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes. Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 |