OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs to meet in April

It's still not known when the co-chairs visit the region, APA reports.

"We are analyzing the situation and specifying out next steps. The latest meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents inspired confidence in me that we will be able to solve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict," Mr.Mann said.

The American co-chair also commented on the recent regular cease-fire violations in the front line.

"The Personal Envoy of the OSCE chairman-in-office, Andrzej Kasprzyk informs us regularly about this issue. The preserve of the cease-fire is the main topic of discussion between the conflicting parties as well as the Defense Ministers. The most optimal method should be agreed in order to avoid war. Lack of reaching an agreement might lead to adoption of radical decisions. The United States thinks that the 2006 is a promising year for reaching peace accord. However, it will not be possible to completely solve the conflict in 2006 because it needs many years. I think the parties will decrease the risk of the war outbreak. I do not think anyone is interested in resuming the war. I do not predict the war might break out in future as no one can predict it. However, the cease-fire violation does not sound good," the US diplomat said.

Mr.Mann also said that the issue of the participation of the separatist regime in Nagorno Karabakh in the negotiating process depends on the conflicting sides.

"The matter should be considered from another point of view: Whether the Nagorno Karabakh's participation in the talks provide for progress or not. The approach of the OSCE MG co-chairs is as follows: if the parties are for involving the Nagorno Karabakh in the talks, we will support this option," Mann said.

The American co-chair noted that Kosovo model cannot be a precedent for other conflicts.

"Each conflict is individual in its own way, has its roots and history. If we try to equate the Nagorno Karabakh conflict to another one, we will thus attain no good. The Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan deserve respect for their latest steps. The diplomatic delegates of both sides are professionals and I am glad to work with such professionals," the mediator remarked.

Steven Mann also reminded that the co-chairs used the expression "the occupied territories of Azerbaijan" during the negotiating process, and this expression was stated in all documents.

"This expression is used in agreements and one of the main issues is that the parties clarify this issue," Mann said.