Armenia-Azerbaijan contradiction on Lachin and Kalbajar

"The future discussions will also focus on reaching agreement that reflects this principle, including such elements as liberation of the occupied land and the return of displaced persons home," he told reporters on Wednesday.

Mammadyarov said it will be clear what steps the sides will take after a meeting of the mediating OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs next month, AssA-Irada informs.

"They want to study the state of affairs on their own. The mediators agreed to meet in Washington in March and will inform us afterwards. They might propose a meeting of foreign ministers or visit the region," he said.

Mammadyarov expressed disappointment over the unsuccessful outcome of the presidential talks. Among contradictory issues, he cited the liberation of the strategic Lachin and Kalbajar Districts.

"Armenians are trying to avail of every opportunity not to accept official Baku's stance," he said.

With regard to the Armenian President Kocharian’s decision to leave the discussions in the middle of the meeting under a pretext, the minister deemed commenting on the issue as rather inappropriate from the ethical viewpoint, but termed the move as "backing out of the peaceful settlement".

"Armenians must withdraw from the occupied territories, while displaced persons must return home. Certainly, Lachin and Kalbajar are involved. As the talks intensify, more problems will come to the fore. If we succeed in ironing out the principles on the level of presidents, work will commence toward a peace accord."

Mammadyarov said he does not believe it is possible for Russia, France and the United States co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group to pressure Armenia. At the same time, he said these countries put their political weight at stake when they assumed the mediating mission, and any lack of progress in the conflict settlement deals a direct blow on their image.

/BakuTODAY/