STEPHEN BANKS: KARABAKH TALKS SHOULD END IN PEACE AGREEMENT

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.02.2009 17:35 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process is
rather active and the United States, as a Co-chair country of the OSCE
Minsk Group, is interested in the soonest resolution of the dispute,
a U.S. Embassy official said.

"I am not empowered to speak on behalf of the OSCE MG but I believe
that the talks should end in conclusion of a peace agreement," acting
U.S. vice ambassador to Armenia Stephen Banks told a PanARMENIAN.Net
reporter.

He presumed that harsh statements both in Armenia and Azerbaijan are
caused by internal motives.

As to replacement of the U.S. co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the
diplomat said that the appointments are made by the U.S. President
and Secretary of State.

"Matt Bryza is still holding the office but the new administration
can replace him. Presently, I possess no information on the issue,"
Mr. Banks said.

Earlier, Bryza said he is going to leave the post of Co-chair of the
OSCE Minsk Group.