June 12, 2008 - 16:50 AMT
Nalbandian: the sooner Karabakh joins talks the better
Both sides should compromise to achieve an agreement on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, according to Armenia's Foreign Minister.

"However, agreement hasn't been achieved on the most important questions yet. Azeri officials make statement conflicting with the negotiation principles. I do not know what the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister meant when speaking about "nuances the Armenian new leadership has." Armenia's position o Nagorno Karabakh remains unchangeable," Edward Nalbandian told PanARMENIAN.Net.

Assessing the recent Saint Petersburg presidential meeting, the Minister said, "We can bargain with Azerbaijan only in case all issues are settled. Armenia is willing to continue talks on the basis of Madrid proposals. The Sargsyan-Alyev meeting proceeded in a working and constructive atmosphere, what inspires some hope. The OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs are expected to visit the region in late June to discuss the Madrid proposals."

"Armenia stands for participation of Nagorno Karabakh in the settlement talks. However, it would be incorrect to ay that NKR is completely isolated from the negotiation process. The OSCE MG mediators always meet with NKR leadership during their regional visits," Minister Nalbandian said.

"Participation of Nagorno Karabakh in talks depends not only on Armenia but also on Azerbaijan, who opposes the initiative. The sooner Karabakh joins the talks the better," he concluded.