SWEDISH FM: NKR CONFLICT SHOULD BE SETTLED WITHIN OSCE MG FORMAT

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
21.07.2009 20:32 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ President Serzh Sargsyan has today received EU
troika headed by Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Blidt.

Welcoming the guests, President stressed the importance of diplomats’
visit for South Caucasian region, particularly – Armenia. It’s quite
logical that Sweden is so close to Eastern Partnership project,
President said, expressing hopes that the country’s chairmanship
would enable states to deepen ties not only with EU but also with
member states.

Parties thoroughly discussed issues concerning regional cooperation,
particularly, Karabakh conflict. Swedish diplomat also attached
importance to conflict settlement with OSCE MG format and expressed
willingness to support Co-Chairs efforts.

President said that he had discussed the problem with his Azeri
colleague 3 days before and informed the guests that after Moscow
discussions and publication of Madrid Principles Azerbaijan
interpreted the agenda and essence of the talks from a different
angle. The principal issue in talks is Karabakh status which will be
determined through people’s free will and take legally binding effect,
Mr. Sargsyan stressed.

Parties also touched upon important issues concerning Armenia-EU
relations, particularly, possibility of signing associate agreement,
prospects for economic cooperation, free trade, as well as democratic
reforms implemented in Armenia. They also discussed possibilities for
simplifying visa regime with EU member states, RA President’s press
service reports.