Yeltsin Touches Upon Karabakh Dispute in a Letter to Bill Clinton

MOSCOW — The “Russia in Global Affairs” journal published a letter from former Russian President Boris Yeltsin to former U.S. President Bill Clinton. In a letter of July 12, 1997 the officials talked about the Karabakh conflict.
”Dear Bill, following the practice of trust between us to exchange views on urgent international issues, I would like to make some considerations on the Transcaucasia.
… The cooperation on Karabakh conflict resolution between our countries is encouraging. The issue was the focus of talks with Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev during his recent visit to Moscow. Of course, the conversation was not easy, but we reached understanding. We managed to persuade the Azeri President of the necessity for more flexible and constructive approach to resolve topical issues.
I have instructed the Russian Foreign Ministry to intensify work with the conflicting parties. However, I do not want my words to be interpreted to some extent as Russia’s desire to pursue an autonomous line on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. As agreed, we will continue to cooperate in the format of three Co-Chairs of U.S., Russia and France. We are not going to shift the format.
Moreover, I think it is necessary to develop the positive impact the Denver statement of Russian, U.S. and French Presidents had on the conflicting parties to strengthen political pressure.
It is important the conflicting sides feel the breath of the three world powers in their back to realize they have no other way leading to peace and agreement, but rational proposals, which our countries put on the negotiating table. I hope for mutual understanding on these issues. We are ready to intensify the cooperation with U.S. to ensure stability and security in the South Caucasus and in the world,” Yeltisn said in the letter.