OSCE Minsk Group American co-chairman Matthew Bryza gave another interview to the “Azatutyun” radio station. During the interview,Bryza said that he wasn’t suprised to see the turn of events in Armenia and Azerbaijan after his interview days before.
“I’m not suprised to see a debate going on. What surprised me was how quick the feedback was. People responded to it without even reading the report given at the OSCE constant council in Austria,” said M. Brayza.
Based on the feedback, the Azerbaijani side is responsible for the disagreement on the referendum. In response to the question as to which side (if there really is one) is telling the truth, Brayza said:
“The main principles discussed between Kocharyan, Aliev and the foreign ministers respectively haven’t been agreed by both presidents. So, both share the responsibility of coming to terms. This is far from over. What I mean is that at any given time, the presidents can say ‘Fine, we agree with the main principles’ or ‘we’ve agreed to make some changes, so let’s approve the package deal’,” said the newly appointed co-chairman.
Based on the announcement made by the OSCE Minsk Group, the co-chairmen don’t think there’s a meaning to continuing the intensive diplomatic mediation. Perhaps this is a strategic step to say that they are leaving the presidents to put in more effort, or perhaps the OSCE Minsk Group is tired of the failed meetings? Bryza had this to say to that:
“The presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan don’t need much time to consult with each other and finally agree with approving or disapproving the agreement. We are simply saying that we can no longer fantasize. The agreement is ready and it’s up to the presidents to decide whether or not they’re going to approve, or maybe the presidents want to negotiate about the compromises,which are of political significance. We’re letting them do that.”
Bryza also said that the dislocation of Armenian military troops from the territories of Karabagh will “weaken the tension”and according to Bryza, this must turn into a process, which will lead to the referendum determining the status of Karabagh.
“I think that this is extremely important for Armenia. In other words, Azerbaijan can propose this along with the other proposals,” said M. Bryza.