Steven Mann: "Time works against all of us"

As APA reports, March 20 co-chairs discussed further steps concerning the negotiating process in Istanbul.

The discussion was attended by Steven Mann, French co-chair Bernard Fasie and a diplomat instead of Russian co-chair Yuri Merzlyakov.

Russian Foreign Ministry explained the reason with Mr. Merzlyakov's being ill. Steven Mann said that in Istanbul meeting, he gave information to Russian and French diplomats about his meetings in Yerevan. "Time works against all of us. 2006 is the chance to reach an agreement. We should complete our important mission this year," Mr.Mann said.

The American diplomat refused the criticisms that the Minsk Group is unsuccessful format for the negotiating process.

"OSCE is a right format to settle the conflict. However, the settlement does not depend on mediators but on the conflict sides. You will come across this truth, regardless what format is selected: both sides should find a common ground to solve the conflict," Mr.Mann said.

Steven Mann also said that the co-chairs did not plan to meet the foreign ministers.