Author: Emil Lazarian

RF, ARMENIA COMMANDOES, POLICE HOLD JOINT EXERCISE

ITAR-TASS News Agency, Russia
June 29 2006

TSAKHKADZOR (Armenia), June 29 (Itar-Tass) — Russian Interior Minister
Rashid Nurgaliyev is satisfied with the results of the anti-terrorist
exercises of commandoes of the Russian Interior Ministry and Armenian
crack policemen that were held at the highland Armenian resort of
Tsakhkadzor. During the war games that had four stages, Russian
commandoes from the unit Rus and their Armenian colleagues practiced
joint actions rebuffing an armed attack on the guarded motorcade,
a release operation of hostages and a detention operation of armed
bandits.

"These exercises are primarily aimed against international terrorism,
extremist groups," said the Russian interior minister who arrived in
Armenia to take part in a meeting of the joint board of the Russian
Interior Ministry and Armenian police. The exercises "showed how
the special forces of our countries need coordinated actions during
special operations," Nurgaliyev said watching the war games.

Russian and Armenian commandoes practiced new methods of special
operations for the first time, he pointed out. According to him,
the commandoes of the countries used these methods in a release
operation of hostages captured by terrorists in the building, during
the seizure of armed criminals and a release operation of hostages kept
in the car. "Fast and coordinated actions are practiced during such
exercises. Each of four operations was carried out for 5-7 seconds,"
the Russian interior minister said.

Chief of Armenian police Col-Gen. Aik Arutyunian praised highly the
exercises. "The exercises were fair and well coordinated," he remarked.

Nurgaliyev and Arutyunian presented awards and personal arms to
the commandoes.

The next exercises between the commandoes of Armenia and Russia will
be held in Russia. "The next exercises may be held in Rostov-on-Don,
where we will also practice joint actions," Nurgaliyev indicated.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

LEO PLATVOET SUGGESTS FORMING A WORKING GROUP TO SEARCH FOR THE MISSING

ArmRadio.am
29.06.2006 16:27

During the meeting with Armenian Parliament Speaker Tigran Torosyan
PACE Rapporteur for the Missing in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan,
Dutch MP Leo Platvoet discussed the outcomes of his latest visit
to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Platvoet noted it would be very
important for his mission to visit Nagorno-Karabakh and Abkhazia. The
PACE Rapporteur suggested that Tigran Torosyan provide him the list of
the missing Armenians to organize search for them in Azerbaijan and
find those, who are, possibly, still alive. To promote the search
for the missing, Platvoet proposed to form a working group with
participation of all parties under the patronage of the Red Cross.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BRYZA VISITED NKR LEGACY IN WASHINGTON

Lragir.am
29 June 06

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nagorno Karabakh reported that
Foreign Minister Georgy Petrosyan and NKR Speaker Ashot Ghulyan met
with Mathew Bryza, U.S. Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group. During the
meeting they discussed the present stage of settlement of the Karabkh
conflict. The meeting was on June 26 at the NKR representation to
Washington.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS IN ISTANBUL

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 29 2006

ETCHMIADZIN, JUNE 29, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. NT was submitted
a transcript of the press conference by Catholicos of All Armenians
Karekin II to Turkish reporters at the Armenian Patriarchate of
Constantinople on June 25.

The transcript is presented below:

The moderator of the press conference was Ms. Luiz Bakar, spokesman for
the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople. His Beatitude Archbishop
Mesrob Mutafian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople introduced
His Holiness.

His Beatitude Mesrob Mutafian: Welcome, dear friends. His Holiness
has allocated one half hour from his itinerary for today to be with
you. He is here on a pontifical visit upon the joint invitation of
the Greek Patriarch and the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople. He
will be with us until June 27. Prior to his visit, a number of strange
news stories appeared in various media and news outlets, which caused
us amazement. The articles had stated that the Armenian community
and the Patriarchate were anxious with this visit; however there
was no such unease in the community. Up until this point, the visit
has been progressing as planned. The first two days of the visit,
the Catholicos was the guest of the Greek Patriarch, according to
their itinerary; thereafter we visited Armenian churches and the
sites and museums of Istanbul together. Since our time is limited,
I request that there be no repetitions of questions. You may now ask
any questions which you desire.

Question: Your Holiness, you are here as the guest of the Greek
Patriarch.

He is making efforts directed at bringing the two Churches closer. What
is your opinion on this and what will be the steps you implement?

His Holiness Karekin II: We are visiting Constantinople upon the
invitation of the Armenian Patriarch and the Greek Ecumenical
Patriarch. We have come on a pontifical visit to the Armenian
Patriarchate of Constantinople and a fraternal visit to the Ecumenical
Patriarchate. As part of our visit (with the Ecumenical Patriarch),
there were meetings between the clergy of our Churches, where we
discussed the theological and dogmatic issues about which there has
been ongoing dialogue for quite a long time; meetings have occurred
and will continue to take place. The purpose of our visit to the
Ecumenical Patriarch was the reinforcement and strengthening of the
brotherly ties between our sister Churches, as well as the continuation
of the existing collaboration between our Churches with a new spirit
and new warmth.

Question: During your meeting with the Governor of Istanbul, you stated
that you are pleased with the regular (airline) flights between Yerevan
and Istanbul, however similar steps must continue. What do mean by
"steps"?

His Holiness Karekin II: We expressed our satisfaction that
Yerevan-Istanbul flights occur regularly. As you are aware, our
country – the Republic of Armenia – is inclined to improve relations
with Turkey, and we are certain that as a result (of those improved
relations) we will find solutions. We shall be able to concurrently
search for and find solutions to the issues that exist in the
relationship between our two peoples, one example being the issue of
the Genocide, of which you are aware.

Question: As you just mentioned, the issue of the Genocide exists
between Turkey and Armenia. We, meaning the opinion of Turkish
society, are not limited by the Armenians of Armenia. We see three
groups of Armenians: Diaspora, Armenians of Turkey, and Armenia. What
are your thoughts? During these deliberations, whom must Turkey
consider? And the Armenians, whom do they consider – the Turkish
government or…? As you know, this issue is being discussed in
certain Turkish intellectual circles. In different universities,
specifically the University of Bilgi, this issue has been discussed
during different symposia where the Armenian Patriarch Mutafian was
also present. Taking the aforementioned into consideration, I want
to ask two questions: Who must represent the Turkish and Armenian
sides and what steps must be taken? And the second question, how do
you evaluate the atmosphere of democratic debate in Turkey?

His Holiness Karekin II: We are one people; dispersed throughout
the world.

However, we are a people that have statehood. And naturally, the
Republic of Turkey can discuss these issues and find solutions with
the Republic of Armenia. For 90 years, the issue of the Genocide has
been researched by the academics of the world, and manifold volumes
have been written. For our people, the Genocide is not a matter
for research – it is a reality of fact that happened, which must
be recognized. That (recognition) is naturally the desired option,
but a negative position can also be taken on this issue.

If academic conferences in Turkey are intended to present the actuality
of the Genocide to Turkish society, then it shall be possible to
welcome them. If they are politically motivated, to further the
position of denial, naturally that won’t have a positive influence
on resolving this issue. We are satisfied to see that in the life of
Turkish society, within democratization processes, people are speaking
and reflecting on the issue of the Genocide during the First World
War to a certain extent.

Question: During his meeting with the governor of Istanbul, the
Catholicos stated, "A certain amount of progress is noticeable in
Turkish society. If necessary steps are taken, everything can be
much better." These words were translated by (Armenian Patriarch)
Mutafian. What is lacking in the life of Turkish society and what
did you have in mind?

His Holiness Karekin II: During our conversation with the governor,
we have said that we are pleased, that in the life of ethnic
and religious minorities, as it relates to the Armenian Apostolic
Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, some concerns are receiving
their positive solutions. We can see that for many decades, it was
impossible to renovate the (headquarters of the) Patriarchate, and
today we see it restored. Permission has been granted, and churches
are being repaired. However, we noted that there are a certain number
of other concerns, the resolution of which would benefit the greater
strengthening of community life. For example, among these issues are
property rights and organizational matters for educational activities.

Question: The Catholicos stated that the two states must discuss
the issue of the Genocide. However in recent times, discussions were
held in Turkey when two Armenians of Turkey participated, among them
Hrant Dink. The law which was being debated in France, whereby the
deniers of the Genocide would be held criminally liable, was opposed
by nine Turkish intellectuals who sent a letter to France. They
asserted that expressing a viewpoint about the Genocide must not have
consequences. This is one example of the fact that Turkey and Armenia
are not alone in debating this issue, and that there are other states,
which make decisions in their parliaments about the Genocide. In this
regard, the issue assumed an international character. What is your
opinion? Is it correct for other states to be drawn into this matter?

His Holiness Karekin II: Genocide against any nation is not limited
to the life or borders of one people. Genocide does not recognize
ethnicity. Genocide envelopes all of mankind. And for that reason,
when similar actions are being committed in any corner of the world,
states and nations raise their voices in condemnation, to prevent
similar incidents in the life of mankind. Only in this manner will
it be possible to keep mankind free from similar tragedies.

Regarding the first part of the question, that should only Turkey
and Armenia be concerned with this issue, we wish to further clarify
that the Armenian people have statehood. But the issue concerns all
Armenians. Armenians dispersed throughout the world. Every single
individual Armenian. However the body that represents the rights of
the nation, and guarantees those rights, obviously, is the state.

Question: The Catholicos says that the issue of the Genocide
for Armenian society is not one that needs research, rather it is
reality. Does this position not obstruct the resolution of this issue,
perhaps, since the Turkish side continues to deny the Genocide? In
other words, is it not possible to study the Genocide?

His Holiness Karekin II: Obviously, if Turkey denies (the Genocide),
it is impossible to resolve this issue. If the facts are present,
then what’s the point in discussing the necessity to debate the
facts? There must be the will to record, confirm and accept the facts.

Question: What do you propose as a way of resolving this issue?

His Holiness Karekin II: We believe that as many states and
countries have done, Turkey also has the capability to conduct the
corresponding studies, and add its name to that list of many countries,
by recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Armenia has never held similar
deliberations with any of the other countries who have recognized
and condemned the Armenian Genocide. Because the facts exist, they
can be studied, and based upon those facts, a decision and position
can be made. This cannot be or be proposed to be an issue which
necessitates discussions.

Question: You say that to keep humanity free from the repetition of
similar sorrows, that they must be studied and accepted. But have
you ever made a statement regarding the events taking place in Iraq,
which is very close to both Turkey and Armenia? As you are aware, the
intervention of the United States of America is present there. What
do you think about this, and what are you doing about it?

His Holiness Karekin II: We as a Church, express our voice of
indignation on every occasion when a hand is raised against the
greatest treasure of God’s creation – human life.

Question: You visited the seminary on the Island of Halki. What are
you thoughts, since that seminary is not operating at present?

His Holiness Karekin II: I am pleased with the process of
democratization which is taking place today in the Republic of
Turkey. And I am certain that in time, all those issues will find
their positive solutions.

Question: Did you like Istanbul?

His Holiness Karekin II: We have not had the opportunity to see
Istanbul.

But in these past few days, we mentioned in our remarks that in
Istanbul, there are many valuable and beautiful buildings, churches,
etc. However, the most valuable, the most beautiful for me is our
people, our community, for whom we are conducting our Pontifical
Visit. Having this as our primary concern, naturally, we have allocated
all of our time for the strengthening of the spiritual life of our
people and to the work of reinforcing their faith.

Nevertheless, I am certain that another opportunity will be created,
and we shall be able to have the necessary amount of time to see the
sights of Istanbul. For example, yesterday, we were able to visit
the Dolmabahce palace museum and the Hagia Sophia, which greatly
impressed us.

Question: There is a report that you desired to pray when at the
Hagia Sophia, but were prohibited from doing so.

His Holiness Karekin II: We are not aware of any such occurrence.

Question: From the first day of your visit, there have been protest
demonstrations. What do you think about this?

His Holiness Karekin II: The protest demonstrations in no way affected
neither our mood nor our mission. We would prefer that there be no
place for similar demonstrations in the relationship between our
two peoples. We are destined to live side by side as neighbors, and
therefore it is necessary to cultivate, educate and nurture appropriate
relationships between neighboring peoples. I am convinced that in my
next trip, we won’t see similar demonstrations or expressions. And even
if there are protests such as these, we must understand that we still
have work to do, both of us together, to exclude similar occurrences.

Question: During the Eurovision competition, Turkey gave 10 points
to Armenia. How do you evaluate this fact?

His Holiness Karekin II: We see nothing negative in this.

Question: Is this perhaps a step forward on the part of Turkey?

His Holiness Karekin II: Of course, it is a step, which must be
positively assessed. God willing, that this positive course leads us
to the resolution of the fundamental issue.

Question: Although your visit was not "official" in nature, you were
received by the governor of Istanbul. An occurrence such has this has
not happened since 1961. What do you think about this? Do you asses
this as a positive step? Were there any other similar offers? If yes,
then for what reason did they not occur?

His Holiness Karekin II: We recognize our meeting with the governor
as a display of his appreciation for the Armenian community, and their
important contributions and service to the life of Turkish society. We
have not had nor do we have any objections to meeting with any state
official, whether the suggestion is made by our community or by
any other entity. There was the concept, at one time, to organize a
meeting with the religious leader of Turkey, but it became unfeasible
to bring it to fruition. The reasons being that the congestion of
our itinerary for this trip did not provide the opportunity.

We express our thanks for this meeting and for such an open
discussion. We wish you all the best.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

WITHIN THE SUMMER SESSION OF PACE HELD ON JUNE 29 IN STRASBURG, DISCUSSIONS WERE HELD ON NK
Author: Z.Mugabiloglu

TREND, Azerbaijan
June 29 2006

Within the summer session of PACE held on June 29 in Strasburg,
discussions were held on Nagorno-Karabakh.

The event called "Stability Pact in South Caucasus" brought together
Azerbaijani and Armenian delegations in PACE, as well as European
parliamentarians.

The ways of solving Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were discussed. Yet
there is no statement as a result of the session.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NEW CO-RAPPORTEUR OF PACE FOR AZERBAIJAN TO VISIT BAKU IN SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
Author: Z.Mugabiloglu

TREND, Azerbaijan
June 29 2006

British MP Tony Lloyd, new PACE co-rapporteur for Azerbaijan, is
visiting Baku in September-October 2006.

Mr Lloyd told Trend’s special correspondent in Strasburg the big work
is on his shoulders "Upon visiting Azerbaijan and familiarizing with
the situation on place, I will share my ideas and opinions", he said,
adding there will be many meetings in the course of such visit.

"The top priority issues for me are human right protection and election
system reforming", he said.

As to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Mr Lloyd, avoiding the exact reply,
said in common that this problem settlement is very important for
South Caucasus.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BRYZA: ARMENIAN TROOP PULL-OUT FROM THE CONFLICT ZONE WOULD HELP REDUCE TENSION

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 29 2006

"I was not surprised my first interview in the post of co-chair caused
a stir.

Because we knew — the co-chairs knew — and my predecessor Steven
Mann, the co-chair before I assumed responsibility on the very day of
that interview, knew that what they had just announced at the OSCE
was significant and would make people think twice, and would spark,
as we like to put it, a robust debate in the region. I was simply
in the unenviable position of having been on this newest assignment
for an hour and I was the guy that got to explain the decision that
others had made before me," Matthew Bryza, the new U.S. co-chair of
the Minsk Group stated in an interview with the RFE/Radio Liberty.

The RFE/RL told the APA that Matthew Bryza said he was not surprised
that a robust debate was sparked.

"What did surprise me though was that people spoke so quickly in
reacting to the interview without reading the publicly available
document that the co-chairs issued at the OSCE in Austria, which
laid out in much greater detail everything. My interview is small
generalization of this document," the US co-chair said.

Mr. Bryza said the core principles that were over the course of two
years by the co-chairs and [Armenian President Robert] Kocharian and
[Azerbaijani President Ilham] Aliyev and their foreign ministers,
ultimately weren’t agreed to by the two presidents.

According to the co-chair, talk about recapturing Karabakh by force
or any use of force by any party is simply not helpful, "It is not
necessary because there is a viable framework on the table that just
requires a little bit more political courage on both sides to forge
a compromise.

The co-chairs have exerted all of the creativity and all the
negotiating energy that they could and they have gotten this framework
of core principles as honed as possible in their judgment, such that
the presidents, in their mind, need a little time to think things over
and decide whether or not they can accept or adjust this framework. But
what we are saying in the statement is that there is no more room
for diplomatic creativity to make this piece of metal shine a little
bit more brightly. It is honed and you have to decide whether you
want it or not, or the trade-offs that would have to be made are so
significant politically that it requires the head of state to make
the trade-off," Bryza said.

The American co-chair thinks pulling of Armenian troops back from
the occupied territories will reduce tension.

"Would an Armenian troop pull-out reduce tension? Well, sure as hell
it would. That is why it is a core element of our core principles.

But the Armenians are not just going to pull back the troops because
we say, "Golly, gee, that would help reduce tension." They will do
it if they get something for it and that is precisely what these core
principles are all about. Therefore, the heads of state need to make
tough decisions.

Matthew Bryza also said the latest statement touched on what steps
to be taken for demilitarization.

"I would just point you to the statement…. It is very clear, and lays
out in a lot of detail what exactly the overall set of trade-offs would
be. Demilitarization is the phrase used for troop pull-back, and that,
as the framework indicates, should be, or could be, accompanied by some
sort of process that would lead to a population vote, or a referendum
vote on the future status of Karabakh. I think that is, in the Armenian
mindset, extremely important, so that is what the Azerbaijani side
would have to offer the Armenians, along with the other things within
this statement to which I refer you. On the Azerbaijani side, I think
that they are willing to consider the possibility of some type of a
vote on the status of Karabakh if many other elements of this overall
package are present. What gets difficult is how you correlate the
withdrawal, or the redeployment, of Armenian troops with the timing
of a vote on the future status of Karabakh," Matthew Bryza said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Thursday, June 29, 2006

LADIES AUXILIARY COMMITTEE OF ATHENS HOSTS MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

On May 22, 2006, the Ladies Auxiliary Committee of the AGBU Athens
Chapter hosted an exciting comeback event, their first in nearly two
years, with a Mother’s Day celebration. The program attracted more
than 160 attendees and was held in the AGBU Artaki Kalpakian School’s
Hrant & Louisa Fenerjian Hall.

The festive occasion began with a welcome speech by the Chairman of
the Auxiliary Committee, Evi Tomboulian. Mrs. Tomboulian then
introduced the keynote speaker, Ani Demirjian, who described the
important role Armenian mothers play in keeping the Armenian language,
spirit and culture alive.

Reviving one of the Committee’s longstanding traditions, the title of
Honorary Mother of the Year for 2006 was awarded to Julia
Jelalian. Mrs. Jelalian was recognized for her steadfast support of
the Committee, her dedication to the Armenian culture and heritage,
and her role as an exemplary Armenian mother.

The Mother’s Day celebration came to a fitting end with a commitment
from the Ladies Auxiliary Committee to increase their activities with
a focus on cultural and social events.

The Mother’s Day celebration came to a fitting end with a commitment
from the Ladies Auxiliary Committee to increase their activities with
a focus on cultural and social events. Established in 1911, AGBU
Athens is committed to preserving and promoting the Armenian heritage
and culture through educational, cultural and humanitarian
programs. For more information, please email, [email protected].

For more information on AGBU and its youth programs, please visit

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESIDENT KOCHARYAN RECEIVED RF INTERIOR MINISTER

ArmRadio.am
28.06.2006 17:48

President Robert Kocharyan received today RF Interior Minister Rashid
Nurghaliev. He arrived in Armenia to participate in the joint collegial
sitting of the law-enforcement structures of the two countries.

The President expressed appreciation for the effective cooperation
established between law-enforcement bodies of Armenia and Russia.

Briefly presenting the circle of the issues discussed at the sitting,
RF Interior Minister noted that these are very urgent and relate
to the crimes in the sphere of migration, as well as the economic
security of the two countries.

Rashid Nurghaliev said that the cooperation between the Ministry
of Interior Affairs of Russia and the Armenian Police is gradually
getting more and more practical, and this is evidenced by the conduct
of joined military exercises.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MEDIATORS CONFIRM DISCLOSED KARABAKH PLAN
By Emil Danielyan

Radio Liberty. Czech Rep.
June 28 2006

The OSCE Minsk Group has officially confirmed and elaborated on
the key principles of its proposed solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict that were controversially disclosed by its new U.S. co-chair
late last week.

In a joint statement that was circulated by the U.S. embassy in Yerevan
on Wednesday, the mediating group’s American, French and Russian
co-chairs said their hitherto confidential peace plan envisages
a self-determination referendum to be held in Karabakh after the
liberation of Armenian-occupied territories in Azerbaijan.

The statement was presented to the OSCE’s decision-making Permanent
Council in Vienna last Thursday and was not made public until being
posted on the U.S. embassy website almost a week later. Washington’s
new top Karabakh negotiator, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
Matthew Bryza, revealed details of the proposed peace plan to RFE/RL
shortly after the Permanent Council meeting.

Although those details had already been leaked to the media by Armenian
officials last year, Yerevan reacted negatively to Bryza’s interview,
saying that the U.S. official failed to present other important
provisions of the Minsk Group plan. The Armenian Foreign Ministry said
on Monday that those include enabling Karabakh to retain an overland
link with Armenia and remain under Armenian control at least until
the referendum.

Bryza’s remarks also sparked allegations in the Armenian press that
Washington is exerting pressure on Yerevan ahead of the Armenian
parliamentary and presidential elections due in 2007 and 2008
respectively. It is not clear if the U.S. State Department decided
to publicize the Minsk Group statement through its mission in Armenia
in order to end that speculation.

"These principles include the phased redeployment of Armenian troops
from Azerbaijani territories around Nagorno-Karabakh, with special
modalities for Kelbajar and Lachin districts [separating Karabakh
from Armenia proper]," said the co-chairs. "Demilitarization of those
territories would follow. A referendum or population vote would be
agreed, at an unspecified future date, to determine the final legal
status of Nagorno-Karabakh."

"An international peacekeeping force would be deployed," added
the statement. "A joint commission would be agreed to implement the
agreement. International financial assistance would be made available
for demining, reconstruction, resettlement of internally displaced
persons in the formerly occupied territories and the war-affected
regions of Nagorno-Karabakh. The sides would renounce the use or
threat of use of force, and international and bilateral security
guarantees and assurances would be put in place."

The mediators said the conflicting parties would also have to work
out practical modalities of the Karabakh referendum. "Suitable
preconditions for such a vote would have to be achieved so that
the vote would take place in a non-coercive environment in which
well-informed citizens have had ample opportunity to consider their
positions after a vigorous debate in the public arena."

This peace formula seems largely acceptable to Armenia. Its Foreign
Ministry argued that the mediating powers have thereby recognized the
Karabakh Armenians’ right to self-determination. The ministry said
in its statement that Presidents Ilham Aliev and Robert Kocharian
have agreed to the proposed referendum but remain divided on other,
unspecified issues.

The Azerbaijani side initially responded positively to Bryza’s
disclosure of Minsk Group peace proposals. But in a statement on
Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry in Baku chided the U.S. official for
"taking them out of the general context of the proposed document." It
also reiterated that Baku is only ready to grant Karabakh "the
highest status of autonomy" and will never recognize its secession
from Azerbaijan.

The mediators, meanwhile, warned that failure by the two sides to
cut a framework peace deal before the end of this year would close
a rare "window of opportunity" to eliminate the principal source of
instability in the South Caucasus.

"We see no point right now in continuing intensive shuttle diplomacy
we have engaged in over the past several months," they said. "We also
see no point in initiating further presidential meetings until the
sides demonstrate enough political will to overcome their remaining
differences."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress