OSCE MG U.S. CO-CHAIR CALLS FOR AZERBAIJAN TO BE PATIENT

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Oct 3 2006

Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister, General Colonel Safar Abiyev received
U.S. co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza yesterday, the
Ministry told the APA.

Minister Abiyev said the OSCE Minsk Group’s activity on the settlement
of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Garabagh conflict has not yet given
efficient results. The Minister called the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict
a main obstacle to the development of relations between Azerbaijan
and U.S. He reminded that Armenia has occupied Azerbaijani lands.

"Official Yerevan should realize that this policy leads Armenia to
the abyss. Armenia stays aside from all economical projects in the
region while Azerbaijan develops its economy and strengthens the
military power. The Nagorno Garabagh conflict should be solved in
the frames of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and international
law norms. If negotiations give no result, Azerbaijan will liberate
its territories by other means," Abiyev said.

Mentioning Azerbaijan’s predominance over Armenia in all spheres
Matthew Bryza called for Azerbaijan to be patient. He said his mission
as OSCE Minsk Group co-chair covers the settlement of other problems
in the region and promotion of relations between Azerbaijan and US.

The co-chair highly appreciated Azerbaijan’s support to the US in
the fight against terrorism and said international community supports
peaceful solutions of the conflict.