Deputy FM cites ‘great chances’ for progress in peace talks

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Aug 16 2005

Baku, August 15, AssA-Irada — Liberation of Azerbaijan’s seven
districts around Upper Garabagh will be discussed at the meetings
of Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers and presidents, Deputy
Foreign Minister Araz Azimov told journalists on Monday.

Azimov said that there are great chances for positive results in the
talks on the settlement of the Upper Garabagh conflict, but said that
much depends on Armenia’s readiness to take one more step toward a
peace agreement.

The Deputy Foreign Minister said that issues relating to the return
of Azerbaijani refugees home, rehabilitation of communications in the
occupied districts and determination of the status of Azerbaijani
and Armenian population of Upper Garabagh will be discussed
at the meetings. “It is impossible to free all occupied regions
simultaneously. Liberation of Upper Garabagh may be discussed only
after the seven districts around it are freed.”

The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs stated during their last visits to the
region that the positions of the conflicting sides have drawn closer
due to mutual compromises.

Azimov seemingly confirmed that the Azerbaijani side has made
compromises. However, he chose not to mention the details, as
elaborating on the compromises may impede peace talks.*

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress