DARTMOUTH CONFERENCE: KARABAKH TALKS SHOULD BE DIVIDED INTO TWO STAGES

PanARMENIAN.Net
30.03.2006 01:41 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The authors of the framework agreement on the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement stated today in Yerevan that
plenipotentiaries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh will
conclude agreements on a number of issues within the OSCE Minsk
Group framework. “Those who undertake the responsibility will hold
the negotiations and sign the agreement,” Dartmouth Conference
Co-chair Harold Saunders stated. He divided the negotiation process
into two stages. The first will include intermediate steps, namely
measures for establishment of mutual trust, equal concessions by
the parties, synchronized withdrawal of troops, demilitarization of
the territories, return of refugees, restoration of communications,
economic and cultural cooperation. The second stage will comprise
talks on the NKR final status, conclusion of peaceful agreement and
establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

In his words, the formula of the project is as follows “Peace and
intermediate status in exchange for territories”, which differs from
the mutually excluding principles of the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides
– “peace in exchange for territories” and “territories in exchange for
status.” Harold Saunders also noted that the project was submitted
to Russian and U.S. Co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, who rated
it positive on the whole. “Ambassador Mann specifically noted the
measures for establishment of mutual trust between the conflicting
parties provided by the framework agreement,” Mr. Saunders said. At
that he noted that the Dartmouth Conference is not a substitute to
the OSCE MG. “The task of the Minsk group is to propose the final
decision while our task is to offer the possible ways of the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict settlement,” he stressed.

To note, the Dartmouth Conference launched activities in mid 1960-ies
for the elaboration of common positions of the United States and
Russia on the settlement of regional conflict. After the collapse of
the USSR the conference is co-chaired by Russia and the U.S.