Minsk OSCE Group: regions around Nagorny Karabakh should be returned to Azerbaijan

In the course of the meetings in Yerevan and Baku, the co-chairmen of the Minsk OSCE Group Bernard Fussier and Yuri Merzlyakov have discussed the basic principles of Karabakh settlement with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan. They have stated this fact at today's press conference in Baku, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent informs.

Mr. Fussier has noted the mediators managed to obtain the consent of the Presidents of both countries to have a meeting in Saint Petersburg on June 9 during the informal CIS summit. At the same time, Bernard Fussier gave to understand that one should not expect resolution of all problems.

The proposals of the co-chairmen refer to liberation of all 7 districts around Nagorny Karabakh. "However, the step-by-step process will take time," Mr. Merzlyakov said.

Bernard Fussier has added: "In the long run, all the territories should get back under the control of Azerbaijan."

The co-chairmen have recognized that one of the remaining disputable issues is the problem of the Lachinlar Corridor. They expressed their hope that in Saint Petersburg the parties would find mutual understanding of the problem. Mr. Fussier has noted that the solution could be to set a "reasonably wide corridor."