Azerbaijani, Armenian presidents preparing for serious negotiations: OSCE MG American Co-chair

Azerbaijan, Baku, April 27 / Trend , E.Tariverdiyeva/

Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia are preparing to serious constructive negotiations, OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair Matthew Bryza said.

"I feel more respect arrange between the two presidents after each meeting. A new stage is beginning in the negotiation process," Bryza told Trend over phone from Yerevan.

The meeting of EU head of states and partners will take place in early May. The Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia will meet to review the ways to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

"The meeting between the two presidents will take place in Prague on May 7. This meeting will be very effective and constructive," Bryza said.

Bryza said that the U.S. is ready to render assistance to resolve the conflict.

"Our president Barack Obama said that the U.S. is ready to render assistance and contribute to the settlement of the conflict. We must use all opportunities," Bryza added.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the U.S. - are currently holding the peace negotiations.