Azerbaijani FM: Problem with Armenian side's rejection from Madrid principles is conceptual

"If there is a conceptual solution from the Armenian side, the question can advance. If there are constant efforts to catch hold of something, delay, then there will be difficulties," Mammadyarov told media on Saturday in Venice.

He said that Azerbaijan is ready to work further on the basis of these updated principles to reach an agreed comprehensive peace agreement.

"Now we realize in Azerbaijan where we are stalled on a text. Although, I think that the question is not linguistic, but conceptual," Mammadyarov said.

At a meeting of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister in Venice, the participants discussed moments that are difficult to be adopted by the Armenian side, and determined further actions. The minister said that moments, which are included in the updated Madrid principles, were also discussed.

At the meeting of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan in Sochi in January, the OSCE Minsk Group submitted the parties an updated version of the Madrid document, which is the basis for negotiations. This document was prepared at the OSCE summit with participation of Foreign Ministries in Athens.

The minister said that the co-chairs of the Minsk Group, presenting the document in Athens, of course, expected that the Azerbaijani and the Armenian sides would react positively to those documents, as it was a result of two-year-work and meetings between the parties both at the level of foreign ministers and the presidents.

Unfortunately, at the last moment the Armenian side claimed that it had some obstacles, Mammadyarov said.

"Azerbaijan is ready to continue to meet, if the Armenian side has a sincere desire to move on," Mamedyarov said.

He expressed his desire to continue negotiations if there is a similar desire from the Armenian side. Mammadyarov said that he understands the desire of co-chairs to strengthen the negotiating process, as there is already a document on the table prepared by representatives of the United States, France and Russia. Azerbaijan has worked on the document and it is ready to proceed, the minister said.

He also stressed that the document has some points which the Azerbaijani side has proposed to modify.

"Using soccer terminology, I can say that the ball is on the field of Armenia. Armenia must decide what to do next," the minister said.

The co-chairs should convey the Armenian side the messages they received from the Azerbaijani side, the minister said. Then, comparing the situation, the co-chairs are likely to submit their proposals.


/Trend/