Bryza: no breakthrough expected in Karabakh settlement in 2008December 3, 2007 - 13:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - There will be no breakthrough in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process in 2008, said Matthew Bryza, the U.S. Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group.Presidential elections in Armenia and Azerbaijan will hamper the settlement process, according to him. "However, judging from statements made by President of Armenia and Azerbaijan, the talks should be continued. We all know that it's very hard to find common ground and make concession on the threshold of elections. But I can't say that the window is closing. I am hopeful it will remain open during elections," the mediator said. At that he noted that change of the leader in any state can affect negotiations. "We expect no drastic change from Azerbaijan. The situation is quite clear there and the name of next President is already known. Armenian presidential candidates also support the process. Approaches can undergo some changes, however. The package on the table is the most logical formula for the Nagorno Karabakh conflict resolution and a man of sense will accept all these principles," the U.S. diplomat said, Day.az reports. 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 | 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 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |