J. Warlick: Aliyev Ready for Meeting with Sargsyan

The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group will discuss in Baku and Yerevan the place and date of the next meeting of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia. The OSCE Minsk Group contributes to the intensification of dialogue between the two countries. This was said by the US Co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group James Warlick at a press conference in Baku on October 22.

“It is time for peace. Will the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict still continue this way? Both nations deserve to live in peace. We hope that after the next meeting of the Presidents, we will share news on the progress made with you," said Warlick.

He stressed that as long as the occupied territories are not returned to Azerbaijani control, it will be impossible to reach an agreement on the negotiations.

"The return of the occupied territories under the control of Azerbaijan and withdrawal of troops is one of the many elements of the negotiations. In addition, the return of internally displaced persons and placement of peacekeeping forces are also the primary elements. Along with this, a subject of the negotiations is the question of the corridor.

President Aliyev spoke about the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh. We welcome the transformation of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh to a subject of the negotiations. We believe the Presidents should hold talks in this direction,” said Warlick.

"The Co-chairs have a lot of thoughts and ideas to discuss with the Presidents," the diplomat said.

Asked whether close cooperation of the United States and Russia in resolving the Karabakh conflict is possible at a time when they have big contradictions on other issues, Warlick said Moscow and Washington are committed to the peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict.

The intermediaries have a common position, he said, adding that it was once again confirmed at the recent meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov.

With regard to the statements of the US Secretary of State John Kerry about the lack of readiness of the leaders of the two countries to resolve the conflict and the harsh reaction of official Baku to this, Warlick avoided a direct answer. By working with the parties, Kerry showed support for the settlement of the conflict, he said.

“Presidents Aliyev and Sargsyan have to commit themselves to resolve the conflict and move forward. I personally spoke with President Aliyev, and he said he is committed to a peaceful settlement and is ready for a meeting with the President of Armenia,” said Warlick.   -03C-