Bernard Fassier: "Changing negotiations format out of question"

They regarded the meetings with President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov as constructive, APA reports.

Bernard Fassier said their principal aim is to restore direct dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. "We have somewhat achieved our aim in the meeting we had in Baku. Elmar Mammadyarov agreed to meet with Vardan Oskanyan and we hope Oskanyan to give a positive answer too."

They also tried to make clear "Co-chairs creativity has run out."

"We started mediation mission with new energy after summer holiday. Our countries consider military solution to the conflict impossible and make amendments to the settlement principles."

Yuri Merzlyakov said the principles changed in summer. Bernard Fassier said they will not release the details.

Bryza said he is optimistic about meeting in Baku and hopes for constructive meetings in Yerevan and Khankendi. Touching on Vartan Oskanian's statement that Karabakh should also join the settlement process, Fassier said that changing format of the negotiations is out of question.

He also touched on the journalists' remark on their calling Khankendi as Khankendi/Stepanakert. "We want to make the parties closer by using this form."

Yuri Merzlyakov took a stance on the issue of Lachin and Kalbajar. "Liberation of Lachin and Kalbajar is an issue which can be discussed by the Foreign Ministers, we can say nothing until they agree on this issue."