May 5, 2005 - 08:22 AMT
MERZLYAKOV: «NOW I CAN SAY WE ARE ARMED WELL»
At present serious preparation to the meeting of the Armenian and Azeri Presidents in Warsaw is under way, stated OSCE Minsk Group Russian Co-Chair Yuri Merzlyakov, reported AssA-Irada. He said that after those talks the parties will start bringing into accord some elements. In the diplomat's words, elements determined by the mediators can form the basis of the future agreement. Mr. Merzlyakov emphasized that during the talks a range of elements were formed however not adjusted until now. «A few elements that were discovered can be used as basis for an arrangement between the parties. Although those elements do not agree with one another, it is important to us to determine them. Now I can say we are armed well. Just after the meeting of the Presidents we will engage in making them comply,» Merzlyakov noted. In the Ambassador's words, additions may be made to the 6 elements determined in respect of the settlement of the conflict. Touching upon the breaks of the cease-fire regime at the contact line and the issue of the return of the 3 Azeri military captives, Mr. Merzlyakov said that the Co-Chairs have expressed their stand over it in the statement. «If you remember we called upon the parties to observe the commitments assumed in 1995 providing for not breaking the cease-fire. As of the three captive soldiers, the matter not only concerns the return of your soldiers, but exchange of captives on the whole. I suppose the problem is being protracted just due to that," he added. In the conclusion Merzlyakov said that the breaks of the cease-fire will the main topic discussed at the meeting of the Presidents.