The OSCE Minsk Group hailed Azebaijan’s withdrawing of its draft resolution from the agenda of the 64th session of the U.N. General Assembly, as they do not believe it would facilitate the peace process, U.S. Co-Chair Robert Bradtke said in his interview with the BBC Azerbaijani service.

It may divert attention from the negotiations. However influential is the U.N., the resolution would not facilitate the return of occupied Azerbaijani territories – immediate return in any case. Direct negotiations within the OSCE Minsk Group are the speediest way of resolving the conflict. The first step has been made: the OSCE Co-Chairs crossed the line of contact, APA reports, referring to Bradtke.

The diplomat pointed out that he does not see any essential difference between the positions of the Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister and Presidents expressed in the European capitals and other cities. Clarifying the OSCE fact-finding mission, Bradtke said that the visit will be a most important one. The last such mission to Nagorno-Karabakh took place five years ago. Early this year a decision was made to send a new mission, which is of importance for the OSCE MG Co-Chairs as well. Bradtke pointed out his was appointed OSCE MG Co-Chair less than a year ago, and the Russian Co-Chair was appointed recently as well. The territories cannot remain as they are now for ever. Refugees will return to their homes one day, and dividing lines must be eliminated. The OSCE Co-Chairs informed the conflicting parties of their wish to be accompanied by representative of the UNHCR office and U.N. Development program. The agencies will have to work there, as the OSCE MG Co-Chairs expect the territories’ status quo to change, Bradtke said.