PEACE TALKS ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT INTENSIFY, AZERBAIJANI FM

Today
Nov 12 2009
Azerbaijan

The negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have intensified
again, said Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov on Nov.
11.

The Minister noted Azerbaijani side’s major demand during discussions
is the soonest withdrawal of Armenia’s troops from the occupied
territories.

Mammadyarov said during the latest visit to the region, OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairs were told again about Azerbaijan`s stance.

"Armenia wants the status of Nagorno-Karabakh to be defined before
the troops are pulled out."

"This non-constructive position bring already agreed matters back to
the negotiating table," he said.

"First and foremost, the status may be defined only after Armenia
leaves occupied Azerbaijani lands, IDPs return to their homes with
peace and stability restored."

According to him, Azerbaijan is ready to grant the high status to
Nagorno-Karabakh.

"However, the status will be determined within the framework of
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity," the minister added.

The Minister noted that the sides are expected to meet during the
upcoming meeting of OSCE Foreign Ministers in Athens.