US URGES AZERBAIJAN TO REFRAIN FROM WAR

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
March 15 2006

Baku, March 14, AssA-Irada
The United States has said the parties to Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh
conflict should stick to a negotiated settlement, despite the
fruitless outcome of talks between the Azeri and Armenian leaders,
which was followed by Azerbaijan’s threats to launch war to solve
the long-standing dispute.

The resumption of military action will not solve the problem even
in 20 years, said the US co-chair of the mediating OSCE Minsk Group,
Steven Mann, who visited Baku, along with the US Department of State
Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried,
to discuss the Garabagh problem with the top Azerbaijani leadership.

Addressing a news conference upon the results of the visit, Mann
said that although the presidential talks in Rambouillet, France
in February yielded no results, the peace process continues and the
sides are seeking to continue the talks.

“There are issues of concern for both parties that are reflected in
their positions. But the resumption of hostilities would be a tragedy
for both countries. No war will lead to a solution either now or in
20 years.”

The mediator also said that for the conflict to be solved, each side
should be ready to “answer important questions”.

“At the same time, in considering the military option, Azerbaijan
should take into account other factors, such as the importance of
energy projects that will bring profits to the country,” Mann said.

The co-chair continued that both the US government and the
international community supports a settlement strictly through peace
talks. “America is cooperating with Azerbaijan and Armenia and deems
both as friendly nations.”

Asked why the U.S. has not duly assessed Armenia as aggressor,
Mann said such terse questions are frequently asked by Azerbaijanis
as well as representatives of the Armenian Diaspora in the United
States. “But we do not intend to take any sides on these issues and
urge the parties to give preference to peace talks,” Mann said.

Touching on Armenian president Robert Kocharian’s recent statement
that his country may recognize independence of the self-proclaimed
Upper Garabagh republic, the mediator said he is not in favor of
such speculations at the current stage in the negotiations, as such
statements “do nothing to facilitate solving the problem”.

Assistant Secretary Daniel Fried said that during the Baku meetings,
Azerbaijan decisively defended its national interests with regard
to the conflict resolution. “However, our discussions proceeded in
a serious and constructive manner,” he said.

Fried has met with President Ilham Aliyev, Foreign Minister Elmar
Mammadyarov as well as opposition representatives.

“The conclusion we came to is that Azerbaijani representatives have
put forth a strong and resolute stance on the issue,” the Assistant
Secretary said. He reiterated that both parties to the conflict are
interested in solving the protracted dispute.

“We have concluded that Azerbaijanis want to return to their
homeland. We therefore believe that this must happen soon, as a war
would prove disastrous for everyone,” Fried said.

The American official, who is expected to visit Armenia next, said he
would hold intense talks on the Garabagh conflict with its officials
as well. He declined to cite any details, but said he would lay out
certain initiatives.

The news conference was also attended by the US ambassador in Baku
Reno Harnish.