ALIYEV: CHANCES FOR PEACE REMAIN DESPITE ARMENIA’S STANCE

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
March 28 2006

Baku, March 27, AssA-Irada
President Ilham Aliyev has said the potential for peace has not
been exhausted despite Armenia’s non-constructive position on the
long-standing Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict.

“At the same time, Armenia has not be aware that Azerbaijan can
re-gain its territories through military action any time,” Aliyev
told the opening ceremony of the Heydar Aliyev history museum at the
National Security Ministry’s academy.

“I believe the potential for peace has not run out yet. But we have
to be prepared for any alternative. The Garabagh conflict resolution
will be stipulated both by diplomatic and political-economic, as well
as military factors. They have to know that Azerbaijan is ready to
restore its territorial integrity any time.”

The latest discussions held by the Azeri and Armenian leaders in
France in February turned out fruitless, as the parties failed to
iron out issues of principle.