Talks on return of Azeri occupied regions begin

Baku, May 20, AssA-Irada

Azerbaijan and Armenia have started discussing terms of the return of
the seven occupied Azerbaijani regions around Upper Garabagh. This
has become possible following the talks between the Azerbaijani and
Armenian Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Robert Kocharian on the sidelines
of the Council of Europe summit in Warsaw, Deputy Foreign Minister
Araz Azimov said.

“Substantial discussions were held on ways of settling the
conflict and Yerevan stated its readiness to hold the ‘most serious’
discussions. With the return of seven occupied regions, Baku, on its
end, will guarantee security to Armenian population of Upper Garabagh
on both national and international levels. We will also ensure the
co-existence of Azerbaijanis with Armenians.”

The Deputy Foreign Minister said the parties fully clarified
their positions at the Warsaw meeting, terming this as an important
achievement at this stage. The parties decided to continue the talks
on the level of foreign ministers. “If necessary, the working groups
may join the dialogue as well”, Azimov said.

The meeting of ministers will be held soon after the visit by the
co-chairs of the mediating OSCE Minsk Group, he added.*