Azernews.Az

Igor Popov, the Russian co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group brokering settlement to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh, has said there was "no concrete updated version" of the proposed peace outline for the conflict settlement. He was replying to journalists’ question about the possibility of Yerevan’s accepting the Madrid principles.
The mediating Minsk Group co-chairs initially proposed a peace outline in November 2007, and submitted the updated Madrid Document in November 2009. The document covers "the return of the territories surrounding Upper Garabagh to Azerbaijani control" and a future determination of the legal status of Upper Garabagh "through a legally binding expression of will" and the right of "internally displaced persons and refugees to return to their former places of residence." Azerbaijan stated that it accepts the renewed Madrid principles early this year, while the Armenian stance remains unclear.
Popov said that the sides accept some elements in the Madrid Document, but reject some others, therefore, work is underway to that end, and that the most appropriate alternative should be found.
"Certainly, there are points that both Armenia and Azerbaijan disagree with. But, at the same time, there are instances that the parties have struck a common ground upon. Our task is to bring the sides’ positions closer to the greatest extent and to have the issue conclude with the signing of a document. And how long this process will go on – that I can’t say [at this point]."
Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with the signing of a cease-fire in 1994, but Armenia continues to occupy Upper Garabagh and seven other Azerbaijani districts in defiance of international law. Years of peace talks have brought few tangible results.*