BAKU: Azeri FM in talks with Armenian counterpart

AZERI FOREIGN MINISTER WITH TALKS WITH ARMENIAN COUNTERPART

Turan news agency, Baku,
6 Oct 2006

Moscow, 6 October: Today’s meeting and negotiations with the Armenian
foreign minister took place in a constructive atmosphere, Azerbaijani
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said after the meeting.

He expressed his satisfaction with the contents of the meeting and
pointed out that certain agreements were reached. "The two basic
principles", on which the sides have been unable to reach agreement,
were discussed as well. These issues are the status of Karabakh and
the withdrawal of Armenian troops, Mammadyarov said.

The sides continued searching for ways of agreeing these issues
and took a break until 24 October to discuss the results of today’s
meeting, Mammadyarov said.

Touching on details of the negotiations, the minister pointed out
that the co-chairmen’s proposals are based on well-known principles
of the conflict settlement and it is necessary to "find a balance" now.

The ministers first had meetings with the co-chairmen and the Russian
foreign minister and then a meeting attended by the co-chairmen and
finally, a private meeting.

In conclusion, Mammadyarov pointed out that Russia plays an active
role in the conflict settlement.