September 17, 2007 - 13:15 AMT
OSCE MG: time to change Karabakh talks format
The aim of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs' visit to Karabakh was acquaintance with the President of NKR.

"The meeting was fruitful, and we need to think on what we discussed," Russian Co-chair Yuri Merzlyakov said after the talks with NKR President Bako Sahakian.

French Co-chair Bernard Fassier said it was an interesting and positive meeting, and they think they will promote and develop cooperation with the NKR government. "Apparently, it is important to have Nagorno Karabakh representatives at the table once, and the sooner it happens the better," he said.

"We did not set this format but it is time to change it," he added.

U.S. mediator Matthew Bryza agreed with his colleague and emphasized that the onset of the new political season in Armenia and Azerbaijan does not mean the talks will be halted.

For his part, NKR President Bako Sahakian said the Karabakh side asserted its commitment to a peace settlement and a constructive dialogue.

"We discussed the format of the talks and agreed that the current format is not effective. We talked about the participation of Armenia and emphasized that we trust Armenia. Moreover, we are grateful for its efforts in support of NKR. However, for a logical conclusion of the talks the full-right participation of NKR is necessary," he said, KarabakhOpen reports.