MATTHEW BRYZA: "IRRESPECTIVE OF THE EXISTENCE OF MINSK GROUP MY COUNTRY WILL PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE SETTLEMENT OF KARABAKH PROBLEM"

Azeri Press Agency
April 9 2008
Azerbaijan

Yerevan – APA. American Co-Chair of OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza said
there were forces ready to reach an understanding both in Azerbaijan
and Armenia, APA reports quoting Novosti-Armenia.

Matthew Bryza said his duty as a mediator was to support these
processes. He thinks that Azerbaijan does not try to dissolve Minsk
Group.

"I am unaware of intentions in Baku, but I know what senior officials
told me. I do not think that they try to dissolve Minsk Group. They
have simply asked if there is any procedure for this. It makes no
difference to me whether Minsk Group will exist or not. My country
will continue to play an important role in the settlement of Nagorno
Karabakh problem", he said.

Matthew Bryza said the Minsk Group worked well.

"The framework agreement on the table is not completely ready. We
have achieved much up to now. This should be continued and completed
within the framework of the Minsk Group", he said.

The American Co-Chair also underlined that he felt Azerbaijan’s wish
to continue the negotiations.

"Surely, Azerbaijan like Armenia has the right to try to amend the
document. Being mediator, I should cooperate with both sides in order
to reach an understanding", he said.

Matthew Bryza will leave Armenia for Azerbaijan on April 11.