AZERBAIJAN TOUGHENS ITS POSITION, NKR FOREIGN MINISTER SAID

PanARMENIAN.Net - 18.01.2001, MEDIAMAX, YEREVAN. "The direct talks between the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan are recently much supported by the international community", NKR Foreign Minister Naira Melkumian said in the interview to "Azat Artsakh" paper.

The Minister thinks only meetings of such high level can help find a model to hold further talks around. At the same time Mrs. Melkumian expressed her regret for the fact that these meetings haven't brought to any solution yet. This, as the Minister thinks, is caused first of all by the circumstance that the main party of the conflict - Nagorno Karabakh, doesn't take part in the negotiations. "And secondly, Azerbaijan more and more toughens its position", NKR Foreign Minister said.

"Settlement of any conflict is an extensive, long and multi-stage process. In our case we have to keep Karabakh from unnecessary crises, blows, unacceptable proposals. I can say we succeed yet." -0-