NOVRUZ MAMMADOV: OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS FAIL TO DEMONSTRATE A NEUTRAL STANCE

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Aug. 16, 2006

The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group are planning to organize a
meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers, APA reports
quoting Azerbaijani President’s Office international relations
department chief Novruz Mammadov.

"We cannot say the negotiating process for the settlement of the
Nagorno Garabagh conflict is not held. Azerbaijan advocates peaceful
solution of the conflict. This option meets Armenia’s interests at
the same time," the department chief said.

Mr.Mammadov called on the Minsk Group co-chairs to take a fair stance.

"Regrettably, the co-chairs fail to demonstrate a neutral stance and
compliance with international law principles. This will neither give
an impetus to the settlement of the conflict nor increase confidence of
world states in big international organizations," Mammadov said.