The meeting between Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents in Kazan failed to become a turning point in the Karabakh conflict resolution, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian told reporters following the presidents’ meeting. Edward Nalbandian recalled that in his speech at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe President of Armenia stressed progress can be expected at Kazan meeting, if Azerbaijan does not introduce new changes. The minister emphasized the meeting in Kazan failed to become a turning point, since Azerbaijan was not ready to accept the last version of the basic principles for Karabakh conflict settlement, submitted by the co-chairs. Nalbandian stressed the presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries in Deauville urged the parties to reach an agreement in Kazan. U.S. President Barack Obama held a telephone conversation with presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy sent addresses to the two leaders. However, the Azerbaijani side presented about a dozen changes, due to which the meeting in Kazan failed to achieve a breakthrough. “In any event, the meeting may be hailed positive, as discussions continued,” Nalbandian said, adding the Russian president, who has greatly contributed to the peace process for the recent 3 years, expressed readiness to continue efforts to finalize the principles and achieve a final agreement. The minister noted it was the 12th meeting within the recent 3 years and the 4th in 2011, when the same scenario is repeated and Azerbaijan presents new proposals. Meanwhile, the Armenian FM said that the talks will continue, as a peaceful negotiation process is the only way to resolve the conflict.

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