We welcome that statement by Aliyev not for the reason, that it was his final word: Warlick

“Both Armenia and Azerbaijan accept the three principle of Helsinki Final Act,” OSCE MG co-chair James Warlick told reporters today, reflecting to implementation of agreements, reached in Vienna and St. Petersburg.

To the question why those agreements haven’t been implemented after a few months and parties to the conflict accept the three principles of Helsinki Final Act, Warlick stated that he may assure that the three principles have been adopted by both sides.

“During the presidential meetings in Vienna and St. Petersburg there was a possibility to talk on a range of issues, and discussion between the presidents was recorded. During those meetings the issue of expansion of OSCE observation mission was discussed under incumbent Chairperson-in-Office Kasprzyk. There was a discussion in Vienna and St. Petersburg on the forthcoming steps of the settlement, the presidents expressed commitment to peaceful settlement through negotiations. Discordances still exist, fields which need to be discussed. Both presidents agreed on the peaceful settlement, which will provide durable settlement. We intend to discuss a few of these ideas in Yerevan,” Warlick said.

Reflecting to the statement by Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev, that mutual concessions are possible and Azerbaijan may recognize NK as an autonomous republic, he stated that all elements are being discussed. He believes, that the co-chairs, as well as the sides, strive to full and sincere discussion not only in private talks, but on social level as well.

According to Warlick, president Aliyev opened a discussion on the issue of NK status. “This is something that we should all welcome, we need to develop a frank talk on the status of NK, positions between the sides can’t be identical, however, it’s important that these issues were introduced to the public, and in particular, NK population. Thus, we welcome that statement not for the fact that it was his final word, but as he makes this a topic for discussion. All the elements, which will comprise a part of settlement through negotiations, should be circulated, discussed not only on private sector, but they should be introduced to wider public circles,” the U.S. co-chair clarified.

The latter stated that it’s the dream of both Armenians and Azerbaijanis, that people could live next to each other in peace and security environment. Warlick reminded that likewise periods were recorded in the lives of the two, when they lived next to each other and their efforts are directed to provision of a durable peace.

By Araks Martirosyan