Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 9 2005
Crisis Group proposes postponement of Garabagh status discussions
Baku, September 8, AssA-Irada
The International Crisis Group, an organization working to prevent
conflicts worldwide, has made proposals on the settlement of the
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Upper Garabagh.
The ICG vice-president Alain Deletroz, in an exclusive interview with
Radio Liberty, said the status of the region is the `most problematic
issue in peace talks’, suggesting that discussions on the matter be
postponed for 10-15 years.
Deletroz called on both sides, in particular, Azerbaijan, to put an
end to belligerent statements. `On one hand, Upper Garabagh Armenians
are called Azerbaijani citizens, while on the other – enemies. This
may make the peace process impossible’, he said.
The ICG representative said that first of all, displaced persons
should return home and relations should be established between the
Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of Garabagh.
`This can be done through stationing military contingents of
countries trusted by Azerbaijan and Armenia in the conflict zone.’
Deletroz pledged to submit his proposals to the two countries’
officials.*