"The political status of Nagorno Karabakh (NK) should be determined only after the return of the Azeri population to the region. This status is possible only within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan," Azeri Foreign Minister (FM) Elmar Mammadyarov stated in a conversation with journalists. In his words, Azerbaijan is ready to provide to NK "highest autonomy status." Mammadyarov also noted the agenda of the meeting of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, scheduled August 26, will be determined based on the outcomes of the talks between the FMs of the two countries August 23. Answering a question on the opportunity for a settlement agreement to be signed by the Presidents, Mammadyarov called it premature. As noted by the Azeri FM, the talks on liberation of the "occupied territories" and the NK political status are hard. "We were able to coordinate some nuances. However, we should continue the talks on the whole. The OSCE Minsk Group is very serious over the issue. It makes proposals, actively facilitates the negotiations," the Minister said. The FM said Armenia always raises the issue of the NK status. Thereupon Azerbaijan suggests opening the Aghdam-Stepanakert-Shushi-Lachin-Goris-Sisyan-Shahbuz-Sadarak motor road. Both parties are interested in the functioning of the road, which will connect Armenia with the NK and Azerbaijan with Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic. Besides, already at the OSCE Budapest Summit in 1994 a decision was passed to place international peacekeeping forces in the region in case a peace accord is reached. As of the possible opening of rail communication between Azerbaijan and Armenia, in Mammadyarov's words, its segment lying through the "occupied territories" is totally destroyed. The fact-finding mission established it. At least 2 years are necessary to restore the road.