Baku Today
June 10 2005

Pressure Group Urges to Oust Former Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE
Minsk Group

Former Russian co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group [mediating the
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno Karabakh] Vladimir
Kazimirov’s attending a seminar on the geo-strategic importance of
Azerbaijan in Baku on Wednesday was condemned by the participating
representatives of the Karabakh Liberation Organization (KLO).

KLO deputy chairman Firudin Mammadov demanded that Kazimirov leave
the seminar and the country “as he does not recognize Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity.”

“Kazimirov has always acted on Armenians’ behest and his
participation at the event sparked protests among those driven out of
Karabakh, and the entire Azerbaijani people.”

Former state foreign policy advisor Vafa Guluzada tried to ease the
tensions. He said that he was one of the people who regularly
criticized Kazimirov.

“Kazimirov is not an important person. He does not currently hold a
post and is only an independent political analyst. He may say
whatever he thinks and get a response. Let him speak,” said Guluzada.

The KLO representatives urged the former Russian diplomat to state at
the beginning of his speech that “he recognizes Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity.”

Dennis Samut, head of the British `Links’ organization, co-organizer
of the seminar, requested the protesters to give opportunities for
the event participants to express their opinions.

The KLO members, who calmed down for a while, heated up the tensions
again. They disturbed the seminar, even using foul language against
Kazimirov, and subsequently walked out of the hall.