MFA: Statement by FM Following March 14 Karabagh Talks, Geneva

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
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PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Government House # 2, Republic Square
Yerevan 0010, Republic of Armenia
Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]

14-03 -2007

Press Release and Statement by Vartan Oskanian
Following March 14 Karabagh Talks, Geneva

Armenia’s Foreign Minister, Vartan Oskanian, concluded a regular meeting of
the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, together with the Azerbaijani FM, in Geneva.

This meeting followed a recent visit to the region by French co-chair
Bernard Fassier, who, on behalf of the other two co-chairs Yuri Merzlyakov
of Russia, and Matthew Bryza of the US, attempted to ascertain the positions
of the two presidents, in the run-up to this meeting of foreign ministers.

Minister Oskanian said, "The talks were slow to move, despite the existing
groundwork, as attempt was made to discuss second-layer details pertaining
to the principles in the document. Although there is clearer understanding
of each other’s positions, one thing is evident that there are deep
differences. We believe that there can still be enough progress to warrant a
meeting of the presidents, and for that reason we agreed to another meeting
in April."

The Minister explained that Armenia remains committed to the principles in
the document that is being negotiated. Although there are many secondary
issues outstanding still, the principles contained in the document address
the fundamental issues with the right trade-offs, that could lead to a
lasting resolution.

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