ARMENIAN-AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENTIAL MEETING CONSTRUCTIVE
ARKA
JUne 12, 2008
The latest meeting between the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents,
Serge Sargsyan and Ilkham Aliev, when the sides discussed a peaceful
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, was constructive, stated
RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan.
"It was a hope-inspiring meeting, after which the Presidents instructed
the two countries’ Foreign Ministers to continue the negotiations on
the basis of the Madrid principles," Nalbandyan told reporters.
The Minister reported that the sides discussed numerous issues. Many
points were discussed in private.
Commenting on the Azerbaijani side’s statement on its being unaware
of the Madrid principles, the RA Foreign Minister pointed out that
it is not "bargaining, but serious talks" that are in question.
"Of course, we will not settle all the issues with Azerbaijanis. We
are ready for bargaining as well, but it is serious talks that are in
question now, and Armenia is ready to continue the talks on the basis
of the proposals made by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen in Madrid,"
Nalbandyan said.
The Minister expressed the opinion that the Azerbaijani side will be
able to summarize its positions on the Karabakh problem.
"Azerbaijani officials make different comments on numerous facts. As
for us, we speak one language. The President, Foreign Minister,
Minister of Defense and other officials state the same principles,"
Nalbandyan said.
Since 1992, negotiations for a peaceful settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have been held within the OSCE Minsk Group
co-chaired by the USA, Russia and France.