Bryza doesn't lose optimism about Karabakh

PanARMENIAN.Net - OSCE Minsk Group U.S. Co-chair Matthew Bryza told the Russian branch of Voice of America that the sides in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict are close to an agreement and talks may resume in autumn. "The Foreign Ministers of the two states have carried out a great deal of work. I was present at the Saint Petersburg meeting. The Co-chairs were disappointed with little progress, however, the process goes on and we are hopeful that the Presidents will meet again in several months," Matthew Bryza said.



The diplomat doesn't think that the upcoming elections in Armenia, Azerbaijan, U.S. and Russia may influence on the Karabakh talks. "We were anxious on the threshold of the Armenian parliamentary elections. But the process wasn't stopped. Of course, any political campaign reduces the opportunity of political maneuvers, but there is no reason to think that the presidential election in Armenia will put an end to the peaceful process," he said.



The Co-chairs have been negotiating on the settlement principles for two years, according to Mr Bryza. "These principles will help to finally determine the status of Nagorno Karabakh via a national referendum that will be held simultaneously with other significant events, these being re-deployment of Armenian troops, establishment of corridor between Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh and deployment of international peacekeepers in the region," the diplomat said.



When commenting on the proposal to include the Karabakhi side in the talks, Mr Bryza said, "The Armenian and Azerbaijani government are negotiating on the issue. Nagorno Karabakh participated in the talks in past and will possibly participate in future. Presently the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan should find a way to breathe life into the process which has already produced effect."