FOREIGN MINISTRY ANSWERS TO OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS’ LAST STATEMENT

Today, Azerbaijan
July 4 2006

There is nothing new in the statement of OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs,
the principles enumerated there are known to all of us, Azerbaijani
side for several times held talks about its position and details
discussed.

Our approach is very simple. The settlement of the conflict is of
packet and staged character, within the first stage 8-10 components
should be implemented as well as liberating of occupied territories
around Nagorno Karabakh, withdrawal of Armenian troops from the
occupied territories, demining of the territories, restoration of
infrastructure, returning of refugees, provision of their security
and etc. After the first stage implemented, the second stage might
be matter of talk.

After the ethnic demographic restoration of the population of the
Nagorno Karabakh region as before the time of the conflict, and
provision of two communities’ security, the talk might be held on
legal, constitutional, democratic way that identifies the status of
Nagorno Karabakh.

This only might be possible on the base of Constitution of Azerbaijan
Republic and within territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The third
article of the Constitution provides that way; this might be the way
of national referendum. Foreign Ministry Press and Information Policy
Office chief Tahir Taghizade has told in his statement related to
OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs’ statement made yesterday.

As concerns the role of presidents in the statement of co-chairs, the
diplomat reminded the main format of the Prague process to be meetings
of foreign ministers and foreign ministers’ to create possible base
for meeting of Presidents.

"Without this ground the meeting of Presidents will not be efficient
and can not start." Expressing attitude to the opinion in the
statement "We stand ready to assist the parties to conclude an
agreement if the Presidents indicate they are prepared to do so"
Tahir Taghizade stated that OSCE Minsk Group mandate’s duty is to
solve the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

"They might be considered the other party, Azerbaijani President
stated for several times the Azerbaijan is ready to peace talks and
diplomatic ways."

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