ALIYEV SOUNDS PEACE-LOVING ON AMERICAN AIR
By Aghavni Harutyunian

AZG Armenian Daily
09/06/2006

“We will never agree to Nagorno Karabakh’s separation or independence
from Azerbaijan. We can grant the Armenians of Karabakh the highest
status of autonomy that exists in the world,” RFE/RL quoted Azerbaijani
president as saying in an interview with NBC US television.

It would be strange if Aliyev juniors forgot to remind
that Azerbaijan’s territorial wholeness is no subject of
discussion. “Azerbaijan’s territorial wholeness is recognized by all
states, the international community and UN and only Armenia neglects
it,” Aliyev stated.

Though in Aliyev’s words the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict will be
settled only based on international principles and regulations,
the Azeri president sees Nagorno Karabakh’s autonomy only within
Azerbaijan.

Clearly outlining Azerbaijan’s position, Ilham Aliyev puts forward
another prerequisite for the settlement: “Immediate withdrawal of
Armenian occupying forces from our (Azerbaijani – A.H.) lands.”

Interestingly, in the interview with the American TV Aliyev seems to
tend to a peaceful regulation and does not use militant language. In
Aliyev’s words, Azerbaijan is recommended not choose a military
solution. “We find that as long as the dispute persists we should
stick to the peaceful settlement,” he stated.

It’s not hard to notice that Aliyev junior’s statements were
specifically designed for the US audience to represent him as a
peace apologist.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress