Interfax News Agency, Russia
Oct 23 2008

OSCE Minsk Group remains main Karabakh settlement format – diplomat

BAKU Oct 23

The OSCE Minsk Group remains the main format of Karabakh settlement
negotiations, Russian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Vasily Istratov told a
Thursday press conference in Baku.

"The Minsk Group has become very experienced in the settlement of this
conflict and has put forward many settlement proposals," he said.

The Minsk Group has been the main negotiating format for the past 15
years, "but that does not mean that other formats should be rejected.

It is most important that every format has the right direction," the
diplomat said.

"The role of Turkey is mounting, and other regional countries accept
that," he said. The wish of Turkey [to mediate] does not contradict
the general settlement policy, he added.

"There may be plenty of various formats; they supplement one another,
overlap or have parallel development, but, luckily, all of them have
the right direction," Istratov said.

"New settlement options have emerged," he said. "No one gained from
the latest developments in the Caucasus. Thus, it is necessary to spur
on the search for a Karabakh solution without waiting for the problem
to resolve itself. A solution is only possible through consent," the
diplomat remarked.

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