Greece, Athens, Dec. 1 / Trend E. Huseynov /
OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries realize necessity in strengthening the negotiating process on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 2010, Azerbaijani foreign minister Elmar Mammadyarov told media in Athens today.
"I believe that there are opportunities," minister said answering the question of Trend ' special correspondent about preliminary impressions on the working meeting with Armenian counterpart.
Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers met to discuss the resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in Athens on Monday with participation of OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs from France, Russia and the USA.
The official meeting of foreign ministers of both countries will be held with participation of mediators in Athens this afternoon. The foreign ministers of Minsk Group co-chair countries, including France, Russia and the USA are expected to join them.
The statements are planned to be made as a result of the meeting.
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.
The Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers will meet within participation in the OSCE Ministerial Council Meeting in Athens today and tomorrow.