Within the framework of their regional visit, the OSCE MG Co-Chairs conducted several meetings in Yerevan and Baku. The Armenian and Azeri Presidents expressed willingness to meet in Prague on May 7, within the framework of “Eastern Partnership” Summit, French Co-Chair of OSCE Minsk Group Bernard Fassier told a press-conference in Yerevan. “We hope that the Presidents’ meeting in Paris will be constructive and effective like all other meeting held previously,” the diplomat noted.
According to Russian Co-Chair Yuriy Merzlyakov, the Presidents’ recent statement testifies to both parties willingness to expedite conflict settlement process. However, the Russian diplomat refused to specify possible time-limits. “We’ll discuss possibilities of elaborating an agreement on conflict settlement only after the Armenian and Azeri Presidents approve the Basic Principles,” the Russian Co-Chair noted, adding that if people in Karabakh decide to hold a referendum, OSCE MG member states will definitely agree with them. “The opinion of people is is what matters most,” Merzlyakov said.
Bernard Fassier noted that the Co-Chairs feel the Presidents’ willingness to proceed with the talks, preparing their societies for the possible outcome. “In the course of our activity, we managed to create an atmosphere of trust. We believe that the conflicting parties also realize that compromise is much better than war,” the French Co-Chair stated.
