ICG PROPOSES DECIDING KARABAKH STATUS LATER

Pan Armenian
11.10.2005 23:37 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A compromise peace in Nagorno Karabakh looks
possible, but significant stumbling blocks remain, says Nagorno
Karabakh: A Plan for Peace, the latest report from the International
Crisis Group (ICG). The report examines the causes of the conflict,
analyses the negotiation process led by the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and identifies the necessary
elements of an achievable peace plan. “The two sides appear close to
agreeing on key principles of a peace deal”, says Sabine Freizer,
Director of Crisis Group’s Caucasus Project. It should be noted
that major elements of the proposed settlement package include:
leaving the core issue of Nagorno Karabakh’s status open for later
resolution; withdrawal of Armenia-backed Nagorno Karabakh forces
from the occupied districts of Azerbaijan surrounding the entity;
deployment of international peacekeepers; return of displaced persons;
and re-opening of trade and communication links. Nagorno Karabakh’s
status should ultimately be determined by an internationally sanctioned
referendum with the exclusive participation of Karabakh Armenians
and Azeris, but only after the above measures have been implemented,
the report says. Until then, Nagorno Karabakh would remain part of
Azerbaijan, though in practical terms it would be self-governing and
enjoy an internationally acknowledged interim status.

Eleven years after the 1994 cease-fire, burgeoning defense budgets,
increasing cease-fire violations, and continuing demonization
by each side of the other side are ominous signs that time for a
peace agreement is running out, the document says. “So far, despite
progress in the negotiations, the resumption of war remains as
likely as peace”, says Alain Deletroz, International Crisis Group
Vice President for Europe.