No Alternative to Diplomacy for Artsakh Conflict Settlement, Says U.S. Co-Chair

OSCE Minsk Group U.S. Co-Chair (Source: Armenpress)

YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)””In an exclusive interview with Armenpress, OSCE Minsk Group U.S. Co-Chair James Warlick has said that the Minsk Group is currently organizing a meeting of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan before the end of the year. Warlick also commented on recent incidents on the border, clarifying what he believes create obstacles for the negotiation process.

Mr. Ambassador, first of all let me thank you for giving this interview. After your last visit to the region, you announced that the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Serzh Sarkisian and Ilham Aliyev, have expressed their desire to meet by the end of the year. Could you please tell us when and where the presidents will meet? What does the OSCE expect from that meeting? Can we expect the meeting bring sides closer to signing a peace agreement?

During the co-chairs’ last trip to the region, the presidents committed to attending a summit before the end of the year and the co-chairs are preparing accordingly with the foreign ministers. We expect the presidents to discuss key elements of a settlement. We would also encourage them to use the opportunity to find ways to reduce tensions and end violence, including casualties among innocent civilians.

Mr. Ambassador, a lot of experts and politicians have called the situation, “negotiations just for negotiations.”