BAKU (Armenpress)–According to an interview published in the Azeri daily Ekspress–the Russian co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group revealed that Armenian and Azeri officials are negotiating an agreement to the Mountainous Karabagh conflict.
Russian diplomat Yuri Merzlyakov also called on Azerbaijan to make concessions during upcoming talks between Azeri and Armenian foreign ministers Elmar Mamedyarov and Vartan Oskanian in Prague.
Yuri Merzlyakov described the scheduled January 11 talks in Prague as "decisive," saying that "Armenia has agreed to some concessions. Now–it is Azerbaijan’s turn."
Azeri President Ilham Aliyev recently told his Security Council that a new stage in settling the Karabagh conflict has begun–and that the Prague process foresees a resolution to the conflict that would be "favorable to Azerbaijan."
Merzlyakov reacted–saying that though proposals put forth by Baku would not be ruled out–mutual steps must be taken–and desire must be "demonstrated and coordinated."
"Dialogue can continue towards a final resolution–should the Prague meeting produce any specific results," the Russian co-chairman’stressed. He said the meeting of the ministers "will cast some light on many questions about the evaluation of the situation–specific proposals and prospects of holding more talks: Armenia has agreed to some concessions. Now–it is Azerbaijan’s turn."
