YEREVAN. – There is no alternative to negotiated settlement of Karabakh conflict, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said during a media conference on Wednesday.

The Minister recalled that the principles offered by OSCE mediators remain on the table:  the principles of non-use of force and threat of force, nations’ right to self-determination and territorial integrity.

Unlike Azerbaijan, Armenia has confirmed its commitment, Nalbandian said, adding that Azerbaijani side continues unsuccessful attempts to ignore the principles and calls of co-chairs. The clear indicator is a report of Azerbaijani MFA that contains no mentioning of the statement.    

Responding to the comments of Russian FM Sergey Lavrov who mentioned new proposals, Nalbandian noted that the Russian minister spoke about new recommendations, and this is most likely about translation problems.

Regarding border incidents and their impact on the negotiation process, Edward Nalbandian said he mentioned the problem during a recent meeting with his Karabakh counterpart Karen Mirzoyan and during the meeting with EU Special Representative Philippe Lefort.

“Such provocations are aimed at creating additional obstacles to the negotiation process,” he said Nalbandian, adding that one of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs noted that incidents undermine efforts to bring about settlement.

“But the negotiations should continue. There is no alternative to talks,” he said.

The Minster recalled five statements made at the highest level that were welcomed by Armenia.

“Azerbaijan is trying to turn everything upside down, creating an illusion for its own people,” he emphasized.

The Foreign Minister also said that tomorrow in Paris he will meet with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and on January 24  with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan.