Question: How would you comment on the recent statement of the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov regarding the settlement process of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

Answer: There are two ways to address this statement. We can reiterate our very clear position on the priority of status and security for Nagorno-Karabakh in the negotiating package, elaborating extensively on both issues. However, we think that a restraint should be exercised in public statements, thus supporting the negotiations, if, of course, there is a genuine willingness to such commitments. There is no need to determine the will of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh in their stead.

Pre-conditions, let alone threats, are not going to affect our positions in the negotiations. Expressions of optimism or pessimism are equally ineffective methods of influencing the process. One has to be pragmatic and genuinely committed to a solution acceptable to all parties.