NEW STATEMENT BY MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS
Lragir.am
04 July 06
Trend News Agency reports that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs
made a new statement. The proposals developed through the past two
years of negotiations hold the best potential for achieving a fair
settlement of the conflict and lasting peace. The co-chairs say the
presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan should seek for agreement on
the resolution. They are willing to contribute to this agreement if
the presidents affirm their commitment. The statement of the Minsk
Group Co-Chairs states that although no Minsk Group-mediated meetings
are scheduled, the co-chairs are, nevertheless, ready to participate
in these meetings if the parties have political will, which is not
sufficient presently.
Besides, the co-chairs state that the proposals offered to Ilham
Aliyev and Robert Kocharyan may lead to a lasting settlement.
According to the co-chairs, it involves withdrawal of the Armenian
troops, a special approach to Lachin and Kelbajar, demilitarization
of these areas and a referendum on the status of Karabakh. The method
and timing of the referendum will be chosen during the talks.
According to the Co-Chairs, peacekeepers will be deployed in the
conflict area and a commission on application of the agreement will be
set up, and there will be international assistance in mine clearance,
reconstruction the areas and return of displaced persons.