Shavarsh Kocharian: Azerbaijan wants to reject OSCE MG format

“The Madrid document, not the six points indicated in it, were taken by the sides as a basis for negotiations. The appropriate approach of all the sides is necessary for progress. In this case Azerbaijan prevents progress in the talks,” Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharian told journalists.

Commenting on the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs’ statement that notes that the territories surrounding Nagorno Karabakh remain occupied and also speaks about the status quo of Karabakh, Shavarsh Kocharian said that these are most critical points, around which an agreement is absent, which was indicated by the mediators.

According to S. Kocharian, Azerbaijan wants to reject the OSCE Minsk Group format for the simple reason that this format is a straightjacket for Azerbaijan.

“The format includes three countries of the UN Security Council - Russia, the U.S. and France, while all the statements say one thing – a peaceful resolution. A statement addressed to Azerbaijan said that a new use of force will lead to new destruction and hardship. Therefore the format has two missions: to help countries reach an agreement through compromise and to prevent the violation of the fragile ceasefire and a resumption of hostilities,” the deputy foreign minister said.