Positive tendencies intensify in Karabakh negotiations – Aliyev
By Sevindzh Abdullayeva, Viktor Shulman

ITAR-TASS News Agency
December 7, 2004 Tuesday 1:04 PM Eastern Time

BAKU, December 7 — Positive tendencies have intensified in the
Karabakh settlement negotiations, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
said at a Tuesday meeting of the national government.

“Steps, which were taken to resolve the Karabakh problem, had a
positive influence on the negotiations,” he said. “Negotiations are
going on in the desired direction, and international organizations’
understanding that the position of Azerbaijan is just is growing.”

The stand of Azerbaijan in the Karabakh settlement is invariable,
Aliyev said. “Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan cannot be a subject
of negotiations. It must be restored, and forces of occupation must
leave these lands. Any peace agreement can be discussed only on these
principles,” he said.

Negotiations continue between the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign
ministers, and the presidents join in whenever it is necessary,
Aliyev said.