Interfax, Russia
Dec 12 2008

Azeri MP slams Minsk Group’s role in Karabakh settlement

BAKU Dec 12

Azeri Parliament First Deputy Speaker Ziyafet Askerov has criticized
the Minsk Group’s assistance in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict, but he has called for further cooperation with the group.

"The Minsk Group has been active for many years. I regret the fact
that it has not been very productive," Askerov told journalists on
Friday.

"We have been told to take our own measures to find a common language
with Armenia, while they [the mediator-nations] can put forth only
suggestions. What do we need the Minsk Group for if we ourselves can
find a common language with Armenia?" he said.

The first deputy speaker, however, said he does not want the format of
the Minsk Group to be reviewed.

"We need to work with the Minsk Group. But I think that a categorical
demand requiring specific results should be set. If Armenia does not
leave the occupied territories and fails to honor the UN Security
Council’s four resolutions, the Minsk Group will have to step
in. Otherwise, we do not need it," he said.

Commenting on Turkey’s growing role in the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement
process, Askerov said that Azerbaijan will be grateful to any country
that is able to help resolve the problem.

The co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group from the United States, Russia
and France have been acting as international brokers in negotiations
intended to help settle the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a
predominantly Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan.