AZERBAIJAN WANTS OSCE TO REPLACE NATIONS IN MINSK GROUP

Interfax News Agency
March 26 2008
Russia

Baku is reportedly examining ways to have the OSCE’s Minsk Group
nations (Russia, the United States, and France) replaced or the
mediators in the Karabakh settlement process recalled.

A statement to that effect was made by Deputy Foreign Minister Araz
Azimov in an interview with the Azeri television channel ATV on
Wednesday. "The letter sent by Baku to the OSCE Secretariat is meant
to request information on these mechanisms," he said.

This move should not be perceived as an effort by Azerbaijan to
disband the Minsk Group, Azimov said.

"The Azeri government wants the Minsk Group to conduct a steady and
efficient negotiating process within the boundaries of international
law," Azimov said.