May 20, 2005 - 07:53 AMT
RETURN OF SEVEN TERRITORIES WAS NOT PRIORITY AT KOCHARIAN-ALIYEV MEETING
"During the negotiations Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Robert Kocharian discussed issues presented by the Co-Chairs", OSCE Minsk Group Russian Co-Chair Yuri Merzlyakov stated, APA Azeri news agency reported. In his words, the agenda was rather expanded. "They discussed not only the return of seven territories. This issue was not a priority but was just included in the list of other issues". The Co-Chairs said he does not know whether the "return of some seized Azeri territories" was discussed in Turkey. Yuri Merzlyakov also informed that presently discussions on changing the format of the talks are not being held. "However in the near future delegations are expected to joint the negotiation process", he noted.