OSCE CHAIR-IN-OFFICE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT KARABAKH SETTLEMENT PROSPECTS

Interfax
Feb 15 2010
Russia

OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Kazakh State Secretary – Foreign Minister
Kanat Saudabayev believes in a favorable outcome of the Karabakh
conflict and intends to resolve this problem energetically in 2010.

"We are optimistic [about the Karabakh settlement prospects], and our
optimism is based on the results of rather difficult negotiations,"
Saudabayev told a Monday press conference in Baku. Azeri Foreign
Minister Elmar Mammadyarov was the other speaker at the press
conference.

Saudabayev referred to the Athens negotiations of the Azeri and
Armenian foreign ministers and the Sochi meeting of the Azeri and
Armenian leaders with the Russian president.

"We will be optimistic if the sides abide by the coordinated
principles. Kazakhstan will use this chance [for mediation] in 2010,"
Saudabayev said.

Being the acting chair of the OSCE, Kazakhstan needs to know all
aspects of the Karabakh problem, he remarked.

"It is very important to listen to all parties to the conflict. We
know the conflict’s history and we maintain good relations with both
conflicting sides. Hopefully, constructive meetings in Baku will give
answers and recommendations, which will lay down the foundation of
our future actions," Saudabayev said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress