The co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Process mandated to facilitate a resolution of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan have arrived in Yerevan at the start of their latest visit to the region. The diplomats from France, Russia and the United States will meet the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan and have discussions with the leadership of the self-declared Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, as well as other interested sides.
Speaking at a Press Conference at the United States Embassy in Yerevan, the American co-Chair, Ambassador James Warlick, said that first objective of the visit was to reduce tension between the sides, and urge all parties to respect the cease-fire. Warlick also said that it was important that the sides engage in what Warlick described as "more-co-ordinated negotiations" leading towards "a comprehensive resolution of the conflict". Warlick said that the Madrid principles should be the base for these negotiations.
Ambassador Warlick said that the Minsk Group co-chair hope they can organise a meeting between the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan sometime after the 6 December Constitutional Referendum in Armenia, but before the end of the year. He said that the two Presidents had committed to such meeting.
source: commonspace.eu with agencies.
photo. Ambassador James Warlick, US co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk process. (archive picture).
