Question: Mr. Minister, what would be your comment on the Azerbaijani interpretations of the ECHR decision on the Chiragov’s case?

Edward Nalbandian: The negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement are not conducted within the framework, under the umbrella, or through the mediation of the European Court of Human Rights. The Co-Chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group is the only internationally mandated format dealing with the resolution of the issue.

Decision on Chiragov’s application is an individual court case which can not have implication on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process.

The manipulation of this case by Azerbaijan can only harm the efforts aimed at the peaceful settlement.

Issues related to the right of the refugees and displaced persons to return are integral part of the negotiation process, they can be settled as a result of the comprehensive resolution of the issue. The well-known statements of the heads of Co-Chair countries on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement also made reference to it.