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The key priority in the settlement process of the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict is for Artsakh to be involved in negotiations solely within the OSCE Minsk Group format, Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan told reporters on Friday, commenting on the question whether it is practically possible to involve Artsakh in talks.

Reflecting on the U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement saying “coming months bring opportunities to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” the official said everyone hopes for a quick resolution. “But the settlement must reflect our interests, aspirations and objectives. Naturally, we are talking about a compromise, but it is first of all based on our interests and goals which stem from the Artsakh people’s right to self-determination,” he said.

The minister restated the most important issue is to maintain the dynamics of the Artsakh talks at present.

Asked to comment on a possible meeting with the Azerbaijani foreign minister, he said it is a process that is a part of the format of negotiations.

Speaking about the Armenia-EU relations, he hailed the significant progress achieved in the bilateral ties, adding they have reached an important threshold.

He said the implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between Armenia and the EU in 2016 is set to start on 1 June. “This will already enable us to bring the document to life,” he added.