PEACE TALKS WITH ARMENIA `SLOW`: FM

AzerNews Weekly
July 15 2009
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said talks on settling
the long-standing conflict with Armenia are proceeding "very slowly."

"I would very much like to say that these talks [negotiations on
Upper Garabagh conflict settlement] are ongoing, at least, at medium
speed, but I have to admit that this is not the case," Mammadyarov
told an international conference devoted to the 90th anniversary of
Azerbaijan`s diplomatic service last week.

According to Mammadyarov, though considerable advances have been
achieved in the peace process since the Prague process was launched
five years ago, challenges remain in bringing closer the positions
of Baku and Yerevan. "But the main thing is that talks are moving
forward."

Mammadyarov emphasized that Baku`s position on the Garabagh conflict
remains unchanged.

"The Armenian armed forces must withdraw from the territories they
occupy, the lands must be freed, the displaced persons are to return
to their homes, after which the issue of Upper Garabagh`s status is
to be considered."