Richard Hoagland: “Minsk Group will not impose any solution on the sides” (video)
“Minsk Group will not impose any solution on the sides,” today announced Richard Hoagland, the U.S. Co-chair of Minsk Group. “It’s not our job to impose solution, we talk to all the sides to encourage them to return to negotiations table to find a solution.” In this sense, Hoagland says, there is no deadline for Minsk Group in order to find a solution to the conflict. Richard Hoagland together with other Co-chairs has already been in Baku, and tomorrow they will leave for Nagorno Karabakh. He has come to Armenia to say that April War is not a solution anymore; it’s time to negotiate. “The most important is that all the sides display political will and return to the negotiations table to work on the plans for finding a peaceful solution.” One of the journalists inquired why Minsk Group doesn’t make targeted statements, when the opposing side initiates a diversion attempt or violates the ceasefire; Richard Hoagland was extremely sincere. “I want to assure you that we are aware of what is happening, but as we are international mediators, we should keep some distance in order not offend one of the sides.” Ambassador gave rather diplomatic reply to the question to what extent non-legitimacy of leaders of two countries can hinder solution to Nagorno Karabakh conflict. “There is no such way that any diplomat criticizes the legitimacy of the authorities. Sometimes people in the country might not like the leaders, who are in charge, but that’s a part of democratic process.” By the way, ambassador also touched upon Lavrov’s plan. He admitted that there is such a plan, which consists of three provisions. “But I will not go into details,” said Minsk Group Co-chair.
