PRESIDENTS OF AZERBAIJAN, ARMENIA MAY MEET IN DAVOS – MEDIATOR

Interfax
Jan 19 2009
Russia

There is the possibility of a speedy understanding between Azerbaijan
and Armenia on key principles of settling the conflict in Karabakh,
Co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk group for Russia Yury Merzlyakov said.

"I believe that if the sides demonstrate political will, an
understanding can be reached on basic principles and work on the
agreement launched," he told Azerbaijan’s Lider TV channel.

The main purpose of the current visit of mediators to the region is
to promote the speedy adoption of the settlement principles proposed
in Madrid and to continue talks Merzlyakov said.

In turn, U.S. cochairman Matthew Bryza said that during the current
visit of mediators the organization of the next meeting of the
presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia will be discussed. The meeting
may take place during the Davos Economic Forum due on January 29 –
February 1.

"The meeting of the presidents is going to depend on our talks in Baku
and Yerevan. There is an excellent chance for talks this month. We
believe and hope that the meeting of the presidents of Azerbaijan
and Armenia will take place," Bryza said.

After meeting the leadership of Azerbaijan the cochairmen will travel
to Yerevan.

The cochairmen are expected to issue a statement after visiting
the region.