Yerevan /Mediamax/. Foreign Minister of Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) Karen Mirzoyan stated today that "the restoration of full-fledged negotiations with the immediate and direct participation of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in all its stages is a mandatory condition for achieving real progress in the settlement process".

Karen Mirzoyan stated this today commenting on the Joint Statement of OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs on June 18.

"We welcome the interest of the heads of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs- Russia, U.S. and France- expressed in their June 18 Joint Statement, in achieving a sustainable and peaceful settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh.

This statement is another proof that the Co-Chairs are determined to rule out the possibility of resumption of hostilities and to contribute to the peaceful settlement of the conflict.

At the same time, we consider it necessary to reiterate our position that the restoration of full-fledged negotiations with the immediate and direct participation of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in all its stages is a mandatory condition for achieving real progress in the settlement process, which is strongly hampered by Azerbaijan.

We hope that the call to intensify the efforts for peaceful settlement will be heard in Azerbaijan and its leadership will refrain from attempts of a selective interpretation of the norms and principles of international law, escalation of tension and mistrust, as well as ignoring the existing realities.

Since the Nagorno Karabakh Republic is the most interested party in finding a way out of the current situation in the negotiation process and reaching decisions on the issues directly related to the future of the country and its people, it is ready to make further efforts to establish lasting peace and stability", NKR Foreign Minister stated.