POLITICS
AZERI, ARMENIAN FMs MAKE MEDIA STATEMENTS
Saint Petersburg, June 4 (AZERTAC). Foreign ministers of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov and Armenia Edward Nalbandian have made media statements following a meeting between the two countries` presidents.
EDWARD NALBANDIAN: We can say that the meeting was held in an atmosphere of constructiveness, and the sides are moving forward. However, any breakthrough or significant progress is out of the question today. But the parties are moving forward and they agreed to continue the negotiations. Maybe we will prepare another meeting of the presidents. The presidents gave relevant instructions to the foreign ministers to launch -together with the Minsk group - a preparation work and continue the talks to reconcile the positions of the sides.
ELMAR MAMMADYAROV: I agree with what my colleague has said. I can only add that unlike other meetings the last one was different. Of course, we have minor achievements, but we cannot say that the meeting was a breakthrough. In principle, we have more understanding, and we are more aware of each other`s positions. The main thing is that we have a mutual consent that we need to move forward, that we need to solve the issue, and this is what gives us much pleasure.
QUESTION: Which were the disputed issues?
ELMAR MAMMADYAROV: I would say that there are the principles that we have been working on over the last five years. Started as the Prague process, these principles then developed into the Madrid document. We have a close understanding on some of these principles, while others - discussed today by the presidents - seem to show some signs of hope. In this context, I can say, that if we adopt a document we will do it together, and we have a mutual understanding in this issue.
QUESTION: Which questions have been discussed?
ELMAR MAMMADYAROV: All questions have been discussed.
QUESTION: The Madrid principles still remain the key ones?
EDWARD NALBANDIAN: Surely the talks are continued on the basis of the Madrid proposals, Madrid principles, Madrid document.
QUESTION: Mr. Mammadyarov, may it happen that after a time you issue a statement declaring that Armenia`s position was not quite constructive again?
ELMAR MAMMADYAROV: My answer to you will be that our statements, particularly, you probably mean mine, are always based on true facts. Thank you.