EDWARD NALBANDIAN: "WE HOPE THIS NEW ACTIVATION IN NEGOTIATIONS WILL OPEN NEW DOOR TOWARDS KARABAKH CONFLICT REGULATION"

ARMENPRESS
Nov 3, 2008

PARIS, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS: "Meeting between Armenian and
Azerbaijani presidents in Moscow was quite effective in the sense
that there was substantial discussion over Nagorno Karabakh conflict
regulation and just like the first meeting of the presidents June 6,
2008 this time as well, the meeting was constructive," Armenian Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandian said today, commenting on the meeting held
November 2.

The minister said that the meeting was effective as for the first
time during the 14 years a joint declaration has been signed between
Armenia and Azerbaijan on the level of presidents.

"Declaration is not an agreement, but it is important in respect that
it pointed out the importance of political regulation of Nagorno
Karabakh conflict and continuation of the mediatory efforts of the
Minsk Group. Besides, it underscores the importance of international
guarantees which must guide the regulation process. It must be noted
that it was the initiative of the Russian president, and Russia is one
of the co-chairing countries of the OSCE Minsk Group and has always
had a very constructive role in the peaceful process. This initiative
was very important for opening new round for the activation of the
negotiations," the foreign minister said, adding that the presidents
tasked the foreign ministers to activate the negotiations.

Edward Nalbandian noted that after signing of the declaration, Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan had a substantial meeting with the OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairs, who are planning to visit the region – Armenia,
Karabakh, Azerbaijan – in near future to continue the negotiations
and activate the process.

"Today Armenian president is already in Paris, tomorrow he will meet
with the French President Nicolas Sarkozy. France is also co-chairing
country and with the president of this country the results of the
negotiations between Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents, joined by
Russian President Dmitri Medvedev, will be discussed. Tomorrow meetings
will also be conducted with French prime minister and chairman of
the Senate. We hope that this new process, this new activation in
the negotiation process will really open a new door towards the
regulation," Edward Nalbandian pointed out.