The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan is “offended” by the US co-chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, James Warlick.
“As the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group have not achieved even slight progress in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, US co-chair James Warlick has no right and reason to advise and make any recommendations on the settlement to other organizations,” said Hikmat Hajiyev, spokesperson for the Azerbaijani MFA, reported APA news agency of Azerbaijan.
“What the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs have done so far is close to zero,” Hajiyev added. “If so, there is no need for other organizations that are trying to help settle the conflict to consult with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs.”
To Armenian News-NEWS.am’s request as to his assessment of the fact that the PACE Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy has approved an “anti-Armenian” report, entitled “Escalation of Violence in Nagorno-Karabakh and Other Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan,” by Robert Walter (United Kingdom, EC), Warlick had stated as follows:
“We have read the resolution and would welcome the opportunity to consult with the rapporteur and interested members of PACE on the current approach to Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations. We are available to work with any organizations to help find a way forward on a lasting settlement. It is also important to keep in mind that the Minsk Group format is accepted by the sides, and the Co-Chairs will continue our mediation efforts on a settlement based on the principles of territorial integrity, self-determination, and the non-use of force.”
