July 4, 2009 - 17:01 AMT
Public dialogue exists independently of political format
International Alert's Projects Director for the Eurasia Program Dessislava Roussanova made a statement on the organization of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Public Peace Forum.

"Public dialogue is not linked to any political interpretation of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and doesn't imply political resolution of the problem," she said. "The principles the sides in the conflict vindicate during political talks do not underlie the agenda of public dialogue. The Public Peace Forum aims to create a favorable atmosphere for resolution of the conflict. All participants bear their individual responsibility. Being well aware of the format and principles of the Forum, they are united by an aspiration to find a peaceful solution."

"I believe that there are people who sincerely wish stabilization of the region and I call all those wishing peaceful future not to damage the bridge toward this future," Mrs. Roussanova said.