Elections are not an obstacle to the conversations on
Nagorno-Karabakh – US co-chairman of OSCE Minsk Group
TREND Information, Azerbaijan
July 31, 2006
"I see the parties sow a political will to solve the problems and
the philosophy forming our basis is acceptable", Liberty Station
reports quoting Matthew Bryza, US co-chairman of OSCE Minsk group,
following his meeting with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan on
settling Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Trend reports with reference to REGNUM information agency, Mr Bryza,
talking on proposals details, said there are some unsolved questions
linked to Kelbajar and Lachin, as well as the referendum. Mr Bryza
confirmed OSCE MG co-chairmen opinion of Nagorno-Karbakh people sole
entitlement to define Karabakh’s status. However, Bryza said, the
question is whom to consider people of Karabakh as some lived there
till 1988 and are also willing to take part in the referendum. Such
issues are just offers and suggestions and therefore the agreement
is inevitable.
Answering the question whether it is possible to reach the agreement
this year or only in 2009, Bryza said the chance always exists as it
would be beneficial for the two countries presidents to take part at
the elections with the problem already solved. However, he added,
the problems are much easier to solve without the tension in big
politics. Alongside, American diplomat said OSCE Minsk group was
ready to act as long as the parties take these problems seriously.
Touching upon democracy in Armenia, Bryza said US links to Armenia
would be as strong as the democracy in this country, especially
Armenia’s participation in "Challenge of Millennium" program