“We see the situation changed seriously in Azerbaijan, and Russia and the United States and France. Recent events in Georgia once again showed that war is not a way-out of the plight,” French co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Bernard Fassier told a press conference in Baku.

He added that the recent complication of the situation in Georgia also caused damage to both Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“Now imagine that how it would have been if the conflict had flared in the territory of these countries,” he noted.

Fassier thinks that “all in the region should be wiser” after recent happenings.

He hailed the warming relations between Turkey and Armenia as “important advances”.

In his view, the changes will bring positive flavor to the process.

He also expressed hope for a constructive meeting of FMs of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“If this meeting is positive, we will seek for a presidential meeting before the year-end after the presidential elections,” he added.

Commenting on a statement by US co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza that after happenings in Georgia the Minsk Group wouldn’t be able to work as before, Bernard Fassier said the Minsk Group doesn’t consist of the United States alone.

“There are more than 10 countries in this group. Of course, there are difficulties with Russia, but this does not mean that the Minsk Group will discontinue its work,” he said.

He pointed to the expected meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian FMs in New York as a sign of the OSCE Minsk Group’s continuing its work.

He also touched upon Turkey-initiated Peace Platform in the Caucasus, saying the OSCE Minsk Group also includes Turkey.

“Ankara is now working to make normal its relations with Yerevan. Turkey always supported peace negotiations. We view Ankara’s proposal as a new chance. Every step to help the co-chair’s efforts should be welcomed. However, support is other thing and negotiations are another,” he no underlined.

Fassier noted that the they have never been so close to the advancement in the settlement of the conflict.

He also explained “Madrid Proposals” are based on three principles from Helsinki Charter.

“These include non-use of force, territorial integrity and self-determination of peoples. The Madrid Proposals include 14 components” he underlined.apa

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