OSCE MINSK GROUP SOLE INTERMEDIARY IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH SETTLING, SAYS SERZH SARGSYAN

Trend News Agency
27.10.08 16:48

The OSCE Minsk Group is the only intermediary in settling of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and there is no other intermediary, Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan said to the Armenian Public Television.

"The only intermediary is the OSCE Minsk Group. Armenia has never
applied to any country for mediation," Armenian President’s press
service quoted Sargsyan to Novosti-Armenia news agency as saying on
27 October.

Sargsyan said the settling of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is ongoing
within the OSCE Minsk Group on the basis of the Madrid Principles. "And
the muddle is not conducive."

Armenian President said Russia is a chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and
"the invitation of Dmitriy Medvedev and his activity on the issue
is relevant."

"As to the reports on Abdullah Gul’s statement, I am not inclined
to comment on statements of other figures, particularly if the press
publishes only extracts from the context," said Sargsyan.

President said the only intermediaries are the OSCE Minsk Group’s
co-chairs. "But we do not refuse from any assistance."

"I am sure Turkey may assist settling of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
and is already rendering the assistance: the visit of President Gul
to Yerevan and continuation of the Armenia-Turkey negotiations is a
very good example of settling of complicated problems," he said.

On 6 September, Turkish leader paid a first visit to Yerevan at the
invitation of Sargsyan to watch a football game between the national
teams of Armenia and Turkey within the selection round of the World
Championship 2010. The event entailed publications in Turkish and
Azerbaijani press stating that Armenian President allegedly proposed
Turkey to mediate in the Nagorno-Karabakh settling.

"If Turkey opens borders on Armenia and establishes economic relations
with the country, that will considerably assist settling of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," Sargsyan said.