Interfax, Russia
Dec 12 2008

Azeri, Armenian presidents could discuss Karabakh at personal meeting
in early 2009

BAKU Dec 12

Another round of talks between the Azerbaijan and Armenian presidents
on the Karabakh problem could take place in early 2009, chief of
Foreign Relations at the Azeri presidential administration Novruz
Mamedov told journalists.

"It seems to me that the next presidential meeting might take place
early next year," Mamedov said.

The world community wants the Karabakh problem to be resolved within
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, he said.

"Overall, as a result of regional processes and the global community
becoming more active, Russia, Turkey, the United States, the European
Union and other international organizations – all of them are very
interested in getting this conflict resolved within Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity, and Baku has strengthened its stance in this
direction," Mamedov said.

"This is why I think that the decision in this direction, made by each
international organization, must be a help for us," said the
presidential administration official.

As for Russia’s role in the conflict resolution, Moscow has not taken
the opposite stance, he said.

"I think, it is more important for Russia to see this conflict
resolved within Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and in line with
international law," Mamedov said.