Aravot, 29 March 2005

AS SOON IT IS SETTLED AS BETTER

Samvel Babayan about Karabakh conflict

Q: You were taking part actively in the process of changes of the
authorities in 1998 the official reasons of which were discrepancies
round Karabakh conflict. The settlement of the Karabakh conflict was
delayed for 7 years as a result. Will we win or loose during those 7 years?

A: I’m not introduced to today’s negotiation activities, I don’t know
what issues are being discussed now, so I can’t say what we have reached
to. As regards to the changes of the authorities in ’98 then there was a
principle problem- the status of Karabakh and its neighbor territories-
I have the same opinion; Neither Karabakh nor certain territories can be
the part of Azerbaijan.

Q: But what territories can be the part of Azerbaijan?

A: It isn’t right to declare beforehand what we’ll give and what we’ll
take when the issue still must be negotiated. There must be a situation,
which must provide the security of the Karabakh population.

Q: Do you see the opportunity of settlement of Karabakh issue?

A: I don’t see in the present stage. There is such an economical and
political situation both in Armenia and Azerbaijan that the authorities
of those countries can’t make concessions.

Q: Must this conflict be settled or we must keep this situation 50 or
100 years more?

A: I consider that it must be settled and as soon as better for us and
for South Caucasus in general. For this region to develop economically
the military tension must be weakened and the Karabakh conflict must be
settled. If these three states intend to be integrated in the European
Union first they must solve all such kind of problems, then integrate
economically and politically with each other. Having such prospects we
must settle the Karabakh conflict. But to settle not to the prejudice of
any party. First of all the independence and security of the people of
Nagorno-Karabakh is important for us.

Q: Almost everyday the Azerbaijani side threatens to solve the issue by
military way. Do you consider those declarations serious?

A: I think Azerbaijanis preparing to take steps for military activities.
It tries to improve its military positions and save up artillery and
other ammunitions. That means it makes some preparations in case of
failure of the negotiations. And they form such a background in the
world that the concession is impossible that the Armenians want more
than it is possible to give and they have right to attack in favor
territorial integrity.

It is another question whether Azerbaijan is ready for the war. Maybe it
only seems to them. And the problem of Armenia and Karabakh is to have
such an army and economy to prevent the enemy of taking such steps.
Because if the war begins, new victims, invalids and distractions are it
isn’t important who will win. It must be so powerful to prevent the war.

Aram Abrahamian

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress