Novruz Mammadov: OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs' stances do not coincide

"The proposals should be grouped and formed in order to air an opinion on this. If specific proposal is put forward, we'll express our opinion," Mr. Mammadov added.

The state official thinks that the stances of the conflicting sides not just the stances of the Minsk Group are important.

"There should be some changes in the sides' stances, they should take a constructive position and take serious steps to solve the conflict," he underlined.

Commenting on OSCE Minsk Group French co-chair Bernard Fassier’s statement "The new proposals can satisfy both sides 80 percent" and Russian co-chairs Yuri Merzlyakov's statement "If both sides are satisfied 50 percent, I would think the mediation had been fulfilled," Mammadov said that every co-chair make proposal basing on their certain conclusions.

"The co-chairs' stances do not coincide. The main thing for us is to liberate our territories from occupation, make the internally displaced persons return to their native lands, and ensure the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within the international juridical norms," the Department Head said.

Responding to the question whether Azerbaijan will agree to the liberation of 50% or 80% of its occupied territories, Mammadov said Azerbaijan can never consent to this.

Commenting on the stance of Azerbaijan to the co-chairs' suggestion of organizing a meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents, Mammadov stressed that the co-chairs' opinion do not coincide regarding this issue either.

"There can be an opinion, if there is an opportunity for the meeting of the Presidents," he added.

Mammadov also touched on the American co-chair Steven Mann's visit to Baku scheduled for 18 April, explaining it by the recent intensified negotiating process.

"Therefore, the co-chairs often visit the region to express their stances, exchange views and consult together on the issue," Mammadov concluded, according to APA.