SAUDABAYEV: 2010 CAN BE TURNING POINT IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT

Trend
Feb 15 2010
Azerbaijan

As OSCE chairman, Astana hopes that 2010 will be a turning point in
settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict if parties adhere to agreements,
OSCE Chairman Kanat Saudabayev said on his official visit to Baku
today.

"We are using all our capabilities to resolve conflict. The latest
agreements in Athens and the meeting between the presidents of
Azerbaijan and Armenia in Sochi gives us optimism," Saudabayev said
at a briefing after talks with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar
Mammadyarov.

"This is my first trip as OSCE chairman, and I thank Azerbaijan for
its support of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship," the minister said.

According to Saudabayev, a major goal of the visit is to become
acquainted with the entire spectrum of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
and its settlement.

"This is a priority for Kazakhstan, as the OSCE chairman and President
Nursultan Nazarbayev have not reduced their interest in the conflict.

We know the history of the issue and are using all our resources to
solve the conflict," he said.

According to Saudabayev, talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart were
constructive. A meeting with the president is expected.