"I agree with French OSCE MG co-chairman Bernard Fassier that military solution to the Karabakh conflict is unacceptable. The sooner the conflict is settled, the better it is for Armenia and Azerbaijan and for the whole region," Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov told journalists while commenting on the co-chairs' statements made at the press conference in Baku.
The minister once again reiterated the need for adoption of the main principles of settlement by the sides, on the basis of which a future peace agreement will be signed. These principles remain unchanged: Armenia must withdraw troops and refugees will return to their native lands, said the Minister.
The remaining issues have not been agreed on yet. The sooner Armenia's administration understands that the conflict must be settled within the framework of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, the sooner it will be solved. Of course, we need time for that, said Mamedyarov.
The term of reasonable width of the Lachin corridor is not accidental. The Lachin road passes through the mountains.
"Considering security of traffic, we have agreed to place peace-keeping troops in this zone," added Minister. "Military experts must take into consideration possible points of fire, from which the road is clearly visible. It is most important to avoid the resumption of military activities," said Mamedyarov.
The term of placement of peacekeeping troops and their composition remains open to discussion. Mamedyarov recalled that peace-keeping troops must not include representatives of countries of the region, nor countries of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen.
