Matthew Bryza: "All Minsk group member-states recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan"

"I have noticed that in both Armenia and Azerbaijan journalists often prefer to quote on the extracts of my statements that reflect their positions. To reach fair and stable resolution the sides must make mutual concessions, reflecting the backing points.

The United States, Russia, France and all Minsk Group member-states recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, which is an important principle for this country. Yet the principle of self-determination is most important for Armenia.

For bilateral coordination any variant of solution must take into account the principles of territorial integrity and self-determination as well as non-appliance of force.

These three principles are included into the main regulations of the Helsinki final act
The main goal of the Minsk group is balancing these principles, appropriate for both parties", said US co-chair of the OSCE Minsk group.

Notably the principle of non-application of force was fixed in the Moscow declaration.

The Capital journalist asked Matthew Bryza, whether it was true that "Azerbaijan's bellicose statements" are aimed just for internal consumption.

"The conflict has no military solution. The principle of non-application of force must be fixed in any peaceful declaration in case you want it to be balanced, fair and dutable. Most officials often make contraversial statements".

Bryza listed Ilham Aliyev's words: "We consider that the potential of the negotiation process has not exhausted yet and the adherence to the negotiation process is that main argument which confirms our constructive position".

He also announced that during the upcoming visit to the region the co-chairs must discuss the request of the presidents which they voiced in Zurich - to help them develop formulations to remove differences between the sides regarding basic principles.

/Day.Az/