BAKU: Tagizadeh: “Armenian FM’s statement shows commitment to dialog

Today, Azerbaijan
April 20 2006

Tahir Tagizadeh: “Armenian FM’s statement shows commitment to
dialogue”

20 April 2006 [18:59] – Today.Az

Foreign Ministry’s reaction on Mr Oskanian’s statements.

The latest statements from Armenian Foreign Minister V.Oskanian are
constructive and show the commitment to the peaceful conversation
process, Trend reports quoting Tahir Tagizadeh, head of information
and press, Azeri Foreign Ministry.

“Armenia is ready to discuss all issues linked to overcoming the
consequences of war with Azerbaijan, should Baku recognize Karabakh’s
right to self-determination,” Mr Oskanian said on April.

And two days back he said the following: “In case Azerbaijan agrees
that Nagorno Karabakh’s people have the right for self-determination
that may be embodied not today, but in the future, Armenian side is
ready to discuss the most important war issues today – territories,
refugees and others.”

“This statement shows Armenians’ intention to actively participate
in peace conversations on resolution of Armenian-Azeri conflict,”
said Mr Tagizadeh.

“This statement is de facto the evidence of commitment to
stage-by-stage resolution. It is known that stage-by-stage process
stipulates Armenian forces withdrawal from grounds surrounding
Nagorno Karabakh. It also includes a mass of accompanying elements
like landmines clearing, communications recovery, return of IDPs
and ensuring their safety. And second issue is definition of Nagorno
Karabakh’s status.”

As to self-determination, Tagizadeh said, it is quite possible even
within the state. “This is the very highest autonomy status we are
talking about,” he concluded.

Mr Tagizadeh also shared an opinion on Oskanian’s statement regarding
Armenia’s joining Trans-Caspian gas pipeline and supposed conversations
with the USA.

“Armenia may not talk to the USA alone for a number of reasons. One of
them is that no regional project is executed without Azerbaijan either
as an exporter or a transit country. We may consider cooperation with
Armenia possible only upon completion of resolution and elimination
of its consequences,” Azeri official underlined.

URL:

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