Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 3 2004

President Aliyev says he will halt talks with Armenia if they are
proved to be fruitless

Baku, September 2, AssA-Irada

During his visit to Nakhchivan started on Thursday President Ilham
Aliyev unveiled his standpoint towards the peaceful settlement of
the Upper Garabagh conflict.

President Aliyev told journalists that Foreign Minister Elmar
Mammadyarov has reported him on the recent Prague meeting with his
Armenian counterpart Vardan Oskanian. The talks must be continued,
he noted.

Asked if he believed in the prospects of the talks, President Aliyev
said: «When I see that the talks are fruitless and when I don’t believe
in their prospects, then Azerbaijan will halt the talks. Today,
I can say that it is necessary to continue the talks.» President
Aliyev restated that no agreement has been reached during the talks
yet but discussions on concrete subjects are underway.*