YEREVAN (YERKIR)–Speaking to the Azeri news agency Azer Tag–Steven Mann–the US co-chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group–said no miracles should be expected from the Group–Armenpress reported.
"It is up to the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to find ways to regulate the (Karabagh) conflict," Mann–who was appointed co-chair four months ago–was quoted as saying. Ambassador Mann also noted that the sides of the conflict should stick to peaceful negotiations.
"We all act according to our national interests–and I believe Azeri President Ilham Aliyev’s decision to participate in talks is right and stems from Azerbaijan’s national interests," Mann added.
Responding to a reporter’s inquiry as to why the US does not view Armenia as an aggressor when it recognizes the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan–Mann said that the Minsk Group seeks to assist the conflicting sides in finding a settlement. "However–the international community has not invested a court’s power in the Minsk Group," he noted.