YUNUSOV: URGE TO SOLVE KARABAKH CONFLICT APPEARED IN OSCE MG ACTIVITIES

Pan Armenian News

05.09.2005 03:19

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Head of the Department of Conflictology of the
Institute of Democracy and Peace (Baku) Arif Yunusov has noted the
fact of activation of the talks over Karabakh settlement within the
past 12 months, reported the 525 Baku newspaper. In his words, it is
necessary to recognize that an urge to solve the issue has appeared
in the activities of the OSCE MG. “It is felt that the probability
of a solution has increased. At present the talks are held within
the framework specific principles, formed in Prague. The talks
may bring to a positive outcome for the Azeri party. However,
the option of settlement, being discussed at present does not fit
our national interests,” he stated. In his words, the holding of a
referendum to determine the NK status is planned in compliance with
this opinion and it is not acceptable to Azerbaijan. “Some time ago
different opinions were expressed concerning the liberation of the
5 occupied regions, except for Lachin and Kelbajar, as well as the
holding of the referendum to determine the NK status and normalize
the relations between the parties. The Azeri MFA has also confirmed
the information. However, the society has expressed its negative
attitude to that option of conflict settlement. The Azeri party
receded after that. Officials state the option of the referendum is
left out of the list of issues being discussed. However, this is not
true. Foreign diplomat, who have most information over the talks, have
stated that the option in question is still subject to discussion,”
the Azeri expert added. Having noted that the parties have come to
general agreement over settlement of the conflict based on that option,
Yunusov stated that the parties now discuss some aspects of the version
in question. These aspects mainly refer to the determination fo the
format and time of holding the referendum. “As Armenians demand to
hold the referendum in the Armenian community, this undoubtedly, does
not fit the Azeri party. THe parties still cannot decide, whether to
hold the referendum only with participation of Armenians of Karabakh,
or to include the Azeri community of Karabakh as well. There is also
the option, taking into account the holding of the referendum among
Azeri citizens. Taking into account these questions, the talks may be
protracted,” he added. Yunusov also noted that “no one can normally
respond to the referendum being held only in 15 years and with the
condition of liberation of Azeri lands from occupation.” “However,
in principle, there is no difference between holding the referendum
today and in 15 years, as in 15 years Armenians will have the same
position, as now. Some people think that in 15 years Azerbaijan’s
power will increase and Armenians of Karabakh will prefer being part
of Azerbaijan. This is an incorrect opinion. No one guarantees that in
15 years Karabakh Armenians will not wish to be independent or part of
Armenia. Thus, I consider that the option does not fit Azerbaijan’s
interests. In my opinion, considering that Karabakh fate depends on
the referendum of Armenians would be incorrect,” A. Yunusov summed up.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress