February 9, 2007 - 14:24 AMT
Yuri Merzlyakov disagrees with opinion that key elements on Karabakh are settled
Yuri Merzlyakov, the Russian Co-chair OSCE Minsk Group, disagrees with the opinion of his American counterpart Matthew Bryza concerning the fact that the key elements on the Nagorno Karabakh settlement had been agreed less technical details. "I can't call them technical ones," said Mr Merzlyakov. According to him, the previous commentary by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov on 1-2 substantial issues that need final coordination is more correct.

The Russian mediator said that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs are planning to organize regular meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in early March 2007. "We are focused on the issue. However, there has not been a final agreement yet. We want to schedule it not later than March, 2007," said Mr Merzlyakov. At the same time, he considers that the consultations of all the three Co-chairs expected in Paris next week is unlikely to take place. Speaking about the fact that the OSCE U.S. Co-chair, who is also occupied with oil and gas issues in the Caspian region, would participate in the Paris Energy Conference, Yuri Merzlyakov did not rule out that Mr Bryza would meet his French counterpart, Bernard Fassier, reports Trend.