Baku says signing a document to resolve Nagorno-Karabakh conflict soon is possible

"We suggest that a document can be signed soon. But one can forecast something concrete only after positions of both sides are studied in detail. It is difficult to forecast something as Armenia acts in a hypocritical way," Azerbaijani Presidential Administration International Relations Department head Novruz Mammadov told Trend News.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev discussed ways of resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on April 16-17 during a visit to Moscow.

"Russia wants to achieve maximum progress in talks on the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," Medvedev said to reporters after his meeting with Azerbaijani President.

"It is important for Azerbaijani and Armenia Presidents to hold regular meetings. Russia is prepared to fulfill its mandate. We have always tries to assist with the process. If these ties are maintained - there is no alternative - I am sure it will be possible to resolve the problem in line with proposals," Russian President added.

Mammadov said it is high time to make progress in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

"The conflict resolution is expected to be discussed during Armenian President's visit to Russia in the coming days. Russia can be more active in this issue. U.S. President Barack Obama said U.S. will also be actively involved in the resolution of the conflict," Mammadov said.

He said the resolution process has been accelerated recently due to ongoing processes in the region and worldwide.

"The recent developments in the region and across the world show the international community that it is high time to resolve the conflict. It must not be delayed. Azerbaijani President's visit to Russia, successful negotiations, comprehensive talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict gives ground to be optimistic about conflict's resolution. Certain progress is more likely to happen this year," Mammadov said.

He said Russia can fulfill its historical mission in the resolution of the conflict. "Multi-faceted ties between Azerbaijan and Russia, Russia's being OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, Russia's possessing means to impact and put pressure on Armenia and a need to provide stability in the region can make Russia fulfill its historical mission," Mammadov said

He said Azerbaijani and Armenian President can meet as a part of the Prague summit. "If both Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents participate in the summit and Armenia defines its position on the meeting, a decision will be adopted. Thin is simply suggestion. It is impossible to say something concrete," he said.

Heads of state of the EU members and partners will meet in Prague on May 7.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the U.S. - are currently holding the peace negotiations.

/Trend News/