December 26, 2007 - 15:12 AMT
RA MFA: Nagorno Karabakh status key issue in talks
The haste of the OSCE Minsk Group mediators is conditioned by the possible shift of characters in the negotiation process after the presidential elections in Armenia and Azerbaijan, RA Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian said.

"A new president can disagree with the package, that is why the mediators press for a soonest bargain," he said. "Armenia's positions are firm but disagreement with the package at the table will provide new chances for Azerbaijan. Anyway, the international community will not allow to bring the achievements to naught."

"The status of Nagorno Karabakh is the key issue in the talks. The Co-chairs and international organization know this. However, we are still at the beginning of a long process," he said.

"The document under discussion refers to the settlement principles which should be submitted to lawyers if approved by the sides. Most items have been already coordinated and the mediators suppose that it can be brought to a final shape. However, there are a number of problems which require serious talk," the Minister told Shant TV channel.