Azerbaijani top official: Defense Minister recognizes responsibility of his statement

"If Armenia does not free Azerbaijani occupied territories, a war in the South Caucasus is inevitable," Azerbaijani Defense Minister Safar Abiyev said earlier at a meeting with French Ambassador to Azerbaijan Gabriel Keller.

He said diplomats have failed to achieve concrete results for 15 ears in negotiations.

"Azerbaijan will not be able to wait 15 more years. Now the war is inevitable and the threat is gradually approaching," Abiyev said.

Hasanov noted that President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly stated that he considers the potential of negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement still viable.

"Therefore, Azerbaijan continues its efforts in this direction. However the president also repeatedly pointed out that as soon as Azerbaijan feels that the potential for negotiations has been exhausted, the country will take steps to restore its territorial integrity, sovereignty and violated rights through all possible means."

He said the talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are continuing within the Prague process and in accordance with the Madrid principles.

"OSCE MG co-chairs have submitted proposals to both republics and the sides exchanges views on this. However, the negotiating parties have not provided enough information. I do not have extensive information on what will be the follow-up processes or at what stage they are expected to coordinate these proposals," Hasanov added.


/Trend News/