YEREVAN. – Authorities in Baku are making controversial statements. On the one hand they speak about readiness to meet, on the other hand contradict the statements of the co-chairs, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian told reporters.
During his joint media conference with Italian counterpart Gentiloni Silveri, the Minister recalled that the possibility of a meeting at the sidelines of the OSCE ministerial was voiced by one of the co-chairs. Baku also spoke about readiness to meet. However, Nalbandian recalled, Baku has specific perception of the mediator's proposals.
“Azerbaijan sees only one principle. Mediators name three principles - non-use of force or threat of force, the right of peoples to self-determination and territorial integrity. It has been repeatedly declared that the principles and elements based on them are a whole, and their attempts to divide them will create a difficult situation. Baku should decide whether they want to continue the talks in the current format. On the one hand they speak about participation, and on the other oppose the proposals of the co-chairs. Participation for the sake of participation is an imitation of negotiations,” Nalbandian said.
The Armenian FM recalled that Azerbaijani side participated in the summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg, but has refused to carry out the arrangements so far.
According to him, those who doubt that Azerbaijan can aggravate the situation, got the answer during the April escalation. After the April aggression, the efforts of the co-chairs and Armenia are targeted at creating conditions for the promotion of negotiations.
Armenia has never refused to participate in the meetings, and has always accepted the format offered by the diplomats, he said.
“Several months ago Azerbaijan rejected meetings describing the co-chairs as ‘tourists’,” Nalbandian added.
He noted Azerbaijan's attempts to aggravate the situation in the conflict zone. The Minister recalled the large-scale exercises in Azerbaijan. In accordance with the commitments, Azerbaijan had to inform about the drills beforehand. At the same time Azerbaijani side has increased the number of violations of the ceasefire regime, the Foreign Minister said.
Returning to the possible meeting in Hamburg, Edward Nalbandian said that the format is not yet approved.
“Let's see what the co-chairs will offer,” he said, adding that the meeting with the mediators will be held for sure.
