On July 8, 2009 OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen Yuri Merzlyakov, Bernard Fassier and Matthew Bryza held a press conference in the French Embassy of Yerevan. Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office also attended. Mr Fassier stated that this is the 8-9 visit of delegation to Yerevan during the year, meaning they visit Armenia almost twice a month. This time they aim to prepare the Armenian-Azerbaijani presidential meeting on July 17 in Moscow.

“It is the 6th meeting of the presidents within last 13 months, which means they have issues to discuss. Their meetings should not be regarded separately, taking into account the dynamics after the 2008 meeting in St. Petersburg.” Thereby, the progress in negotiation process is notable, Co-chairman added. Mr Fassier said the dynamics is evident: during the Prague summit the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents determined some of 15 Madrid agreement principles for future negotiations, whereas at the Petersburg meeting they were already working on their approval. The Co-Chairmen expect that the two will specify those 2-3 points to proceed with the remaining Madrid agreement principles.

The OSCE MG Co-Chairmen called productive the meetings with RA President Serzh Sargsyan, RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan in Yerevan. Bernard Fassier concluded that hopefully the talks in Baku will be alike.