TODAY.AZ / Politics

In this uneasy atmosphere Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan are ready to make mutual compromises: co-chair

08 May 2009 [12:24] - TODAY.AZ
"One can observe that the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan in these difficult conditions are ready to make mutual concessions", said U.S. co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza.
"President Serzh Sargsyan said, referring to proposals to resolve the conflict, that  negotiations with political parties are underway in the country. In turn, two weeks ago the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also made an important statement.

The first time he began to talk about the safety corridor, the need to ensure the safety of the population of Karabakh within this corridor. This is a positive step for development. These attempts have their impact on the negotiation process".

As for deployment of U.S. peacekeepers, he said:

"It is too early to talks about it, because I do not know whether both sides will want this. We are not looking for a place for the peacekeeping forces, but if the parties want this, the matter might be discussed".

Turning to the question regarding the normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia, M. Bryza noted that the discussion did not touch upon the normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations.

"These are two different processes. They are parallel, but develop at different speeds. If in one case there are some progress, they influence each other, and vice versa".

M. Bryza said that the U.S. supports both processes.

"But the United States has other interests as well. And most important is the deepening of strategic relations with Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a friend of the United States and Azerbaijan is a strategic partner of the United States. We know that Nagorno Karabakh is the most important theme in the national security of Azerbaijan and Armenia. That is why we will strengthen cooperation and make all necessary steps", said M. Bryza.

Referring to Hillary Clinton's recent meeting the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as statements that were made after the meeting, M. Bryza said:

"I often hold negotiations with Hillary Clinton on this issue. The U.S. Department of State is trying to help us achieve some progress in the Karabakh issue. At today's meeting, I also noticed that there has been a progress and a thaw is observed.

In turn, Hillary Clinton said that she will study this matter in detail. The same action will be done by President Barack Obama. He is also dealing with the matter and negotiating with both parties. And if there is a need for meetings of the co-chairs with the presidents, then I hope that Barack Obama will also attend it", said M. Bryza.

/Day.Az/
URL: http://www.today.az/news/politics/52147.html

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