The OSCE Minsk Group (MG) co-chairmen develop the draft document on the basic principles of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement, the OSCE MG co-chair on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peaceful settlement from Russia Yuri Merzlyakov told Trend exclusively.
В"This is a two-page document where the major principles of settlement are set forth and the sides are to agree with it. How it will look like, I cannot say so far”, the diplomat said. According to him, as soon as these principles are finally approved, the meeting of the both countries’ expert delegations, which will draw up the basic document, will take place, as they will have the relevant powers from their own authorities.
Merzlyakov thinks, it is senseless to make up any draft document without agreeing upon the principles of the settlement. В"The previous co-chairs suggested several options on tens of pages. Then one of the sides denied the proposals and everything turned to dust. Thus, one should come to understanding first how it will work, and then set to shaping it. Responding the question, whether the project is ready by the time of meeting of the both Presidents in late January, he said, “We are just dealing with it, how it will look like, I cannot say”.
On the question, whether there were lesser differences in opinions of the conflicting sides during the last visit to the region, the Russian co-chair said: “There is rapprochement of positions. However, along with this, there is understanding of some unacceptable things for the both sides. Therefore, the field for the search of options narrowed for us and for the sides. From one part it makes our task easier. However, I cannot say thus far, that the agreement is looming’, summarized Merzlyakov.