The statement by the OSCE Minsk Group proves that the preceding statement by U.S. Co-chair Matthew Bryza was not accidental, ARF Bureau's Hay Dat and Political Office Director Kiro Manoian stated in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net. In his words this statement gave an impulse to the public discussion of the problem, especially in Azerbaijan. "However, there is no confidence that these discussions may convey an impulse to new talks," Manoian said.

As for the pressure exerted upon the Presidents, he considers that greater pressure is exerted on Ilham Aliyev than on Robert Kocharian. "However, this pressure cannot be assessed as positive. In this case, oil serves as restraining factor for Aliyev. Though he will hardly sign any document, since he will lose power in this case. Destabilization in Azerbaijan will do no good to the whole region. I think during the G8 summit in Saint Petersburg Aliyev will be asked a precise question and he will have to give a precise answer," Manoian underscored.

At that he remarked that Azerbaijan should not set great hopes for Turkey in the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh problem. "If Turkey takes a neutral stand on the matter Azerbaijan will lose. Presently the West should convince Turkey that its position on Armenia is not fruitful and should be changed if Turkey really wishes to become a regional power," Kiro Manoian said.

Full text of the interview