Baku ready for direct peace agreement talks with Yerevan, waits for their soonest start - Foreign Ministry

BAKU. Nov 21 (Interfax) - Baku is ready for direct talks with Yerevan for the sake of the soonest conclusion of a peace agreement, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.

The ministry regretted that Armenia delayed its response to the Azerbaijani proposals by 2.5 months, thus "seriously slowing down the peace process."

"Such a pause in the peace talks does not help regional stability and prosperity," the ministry said.

"Azerbaijan is ready for direct talks with Armenia on a bilateral basis for the sake of the soonest conclusion of a peace agreement. We believe that both sides should make a joint decision on their future relations. Both sides are responsible for continuing the peace process, including the selection of an acceptable meeting venue," it said.

The ministry also expressed hope that Armenia would positively respond to the call for the soonest start of negotiations.