Mann on Karabakh Conflict: "There's Still Time"February 27, 2006 - 15:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "The Rambouillet talks on settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict were very important. We need to move forward on the Karabakh agreement. The year 2006 is a very important one in this respect," OSCE Minsk Group US Co-Chair Steven Mann said, reported Voice of America Russian Service. In his words, on the whole the talks were detailed and were held in a very positive atmosphere. "However, they were very hard and I am afraid we did not make much progress," he remarked. Asked about most difficult moments in the talks the mediator refused to go into details. "However, I can say that the two presidents and the co-chairs arrived for the talks in Rambouillet aimed at core issues. We helped them have in-depth and serious discussion and we worked for them to come to accord. On the whole, it was a very intensive discussion," he added.Speaking on the causes of "failure of the Rambouillet talks," Steven Mann said, "Firstly, as of Karabakh I will say there is still time. We must search for a solution, as it is a humanitarian tragedy and a serious regional security issue. The key moment is that both parties' political will is necessary. By saying "political will" I mean the will that includes compromise from each side. You cannot indicate a single international negotiation process, at which one of the parties had managed to see its demands fully met. In this case I am fully convinced: it is an opportunity both to Azerbaijan and Armenia without risk of loss. To reach this goal the political will of each president, each people, as well as international support is necessary." Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | SBP instant transfers now available from 190 Russian banks to Armenia To receive money from Russian banks, easywallet users need to go to their easywallet accounts. Armenia's Davit Chaloyan qualifies for Paris Olympics The Armenian boxer qualified for Paris Olympics after a series of successful bouts at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament. Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. French-Armenian journalist returns to France after 41-day hunger strike Nicolian said on social media on Sunday, June 2 that he needs to improve his health in order to “continue the fight”. |