Azernews.Az

The United States hopes that the OSCE Minsk Group (MG), brokering a settlement to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh, will continue operating in its current format, US ambassador in Baku, Anne Derse, has said.
Derse told journalists that despite all existing problems, the U.S., which co-chairs the MG along with Russia and France, stands firm on continuing work within the established MG format.
After Russia`s military incursion in Georgia`s rebellious region of South Ossetia in August, some experts concluded that Moscow couldn`t act as a mediator in the resolution of conflicts flaring in the South Caucasus, saying it does not adhere to an impartial stance on all regional disputes. This prompted an opinion regarding the MG`s dissolution.
Now, however, is a favorable time to settle the Garabagh conflict, said Derse. She reiterated Washington`s stance, saying the conflict must be settled peacefully and based upon the principle of Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity.
The ambassador said, further, that the U.S. intended to step up efforts at finding a solution. For this purpose, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza, the US MG co-chair, is due to arrive in Azerbaijan on orders from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, as part of his visit to the South Caucasus region in the coming days.
Bryza has stated his view on the prospect of US-Russia cooperation on a Garabagh settlement after Russia`s military incursion in Georgia. He said it was difficult to predict how the developments will unfold in the near future and that Washington was reviewing its relations with Moscow.
"There is lack of confidence in Russia today. Russia says one thing but does another. First, they talk about territorial integrity, but then act contrary to that. Therefore, we find it hard to understand what Moscow is thinking and to determine how to find a common language with them after what they did in Georgia. Therefore, first, some time is needed to restore confidence in Russia."
Georgia launched large-scale military operations on August 8 against its breakaway republic of South Ossetia. Moscow responded by sending troops into the pro-Russian region, striking at Georgian armed forces using overwhelming force. A ceasefire was, subsequently, reached on August 17.
Speaking at a congressional hearing last Wednesday, the deputy assistant secretary called on Azerbaijan and Armenia to be more flexible in peace talks.
"The shock of Russia`s assault on Georgia might have the unintended effect of encouraging the parties to show greater flexibility and creativity in their negotiations," he said.
Bryza pledged that the U.S. government would do all it can to encourage such flexibility.
"We will do everything possible to promote a just and lasting settlement of the Garabagh conflict that proceeds from the principle of our support for Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity, and ultimately incorporates other elements of international law and diplomatic practice."
Bryza said that even more high-ranking State Department officials are now making effort to resolve the conflict. "This being said, I have good expectations."