Conflicting parties must return to negotiating table and resume constructive dialogue – Ambassador Richard Hoagland

In an interview with Tert.am, Ambassador Richard Hoagland, the newly appointed Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, said he would like to see the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan return to the negotiating table and engage in a constructive dialogue on the next steps in the peace process.

Mr Hoagland, at what stage is the process of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement? What kind of problems and progress are there?

The peace process has, unfortunately, lost some of the momentum gained in the latter half of 2016.  The sides need to return to the negotiating table and engage in real and constructive dialogue.  Full implementation of the agreements reached at the 2016 Summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg is also necessary to build trust and move negotiations forward.

As newly appointed US co-chair what kind of responsibilities have you taken? What will your approach to the settlement process be?

I am honored to have this opportunity to serve as the U.S. Minsk Group Co-Chair.  I intend to follow in the footsteps of previous U.S. Co-Chairs and their dedication to efforts to help bring lasting peace and stability to the region.  This is an issue I have followed for several decades; I would also add that much of my diplomatic career has focused on the post-Soviet space.  I know that a real resolution of this issue will require political will and leadership from all involved.  The ultimate goal is peace and prosperity for all the peoples of the region.

Whenever there is a tension in the borders, the conflicting parties blame each other. The Armenian side blames the OSCE Minsk Group for its not specifically addressed statements as well. We expect that Azerbaijan will be blamed for his obvious cross-border incursions. What is your opinion about it?

As the Co-Chairs stated on January 9, the parties should cease mutual accusations and undertake all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground.  I understand that strong emotions lead to mutual accusations, but mutual accusations do not solve problem.  The goal of everyone involved should be to find solutions that lead to peace and prosperity for all people in the region.

I would like to know your opinion about what expectations could be held about the settlement process this year?

I would like to see the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan return to the negotiating table and engage in a constructive dialogue on the next steps in the peace process.  I know that my Russian and French Co-Chairs will work hard, with quiet diplomacy, to make this happen.