Armenian FM: Azerbaijan’s actions doom Karabakh process to failure

PanARMENIAN.Net - Azerbaijan blocks every move undertaken by Armenia and the international mediators, first of all within the OSCE Minsk Group activities, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said at a joint press conference with his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle on March 16 in Yerevan.

When asked by a German reporter what actions are taken to facilitate the process of Karabakh conflict settlement, Nalbandian said Azerbaijan refuses to comply with most agreements reached at top level.

Nalbandian quoted the example of the presidents’ meeting in Sochi where Armenia and Azerbaijan, with Russia’s mediation, agreed to create a mechanism to stop regular violations of cease fire at the contact line. Azerbaijan however threatened to “veto” the OSCE budget if resources are allotted for establishment of this tool.

At the same meeting in Sochi both sides confirmed efficiency of Minsk Group activities and expressed commitment to continue negotiations within this format.

Upon return to Baku, Aliyev made a number of statements saying the OSCE Minsk Group has been exhausted, and the platform for negotiations needs to be changed.

Nalbandian said these are just a few of the numerous destructive actions undertaken by Azerbaijani side.

Non-compliance by Azerbaijan of its commitments dooms the negotiation process to failure, Minister added.

At January 23 trilateral presidential meeting in Sochi Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan stressed the need to refrain from extreme measures, calling for continuation of approximating positions.

“Considering the importance of shifting to development of peace agreement, Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan expressed readiness to expedite an agreement on Basic principles,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, adding that heads of the two states had requested Russia to mediate humanitarian ties between the two countries.