CONGRESSMAN DAN BARTON CALLS HIS COLLEAGUE TO TAKE NEUTRAL STANCE IN
NAGORNO KARABAKH QUESTION

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
July 19 2006

The Republican Congressman Dan Barton representing in the Congress of
the USA state of Indiana has called colleagues-legislators to take of
the neutral position In the Nagorno Karabakh question. He considers,
that supporting this or that party interferes with peace process.

Speaking at the House of Representatives, Dan Barton said some of his
colleagues try to lay the blame on Azerbaijani side. Supporting the
rights of the population of Nagorno Karabakh to self-determination,
they even acknowledge its efforts ‘by ignoring animosity of Azerbaijan,
to construct in this historical Armenian territory democracy and
market economy".

Dan Barton reminded that Nagorno Karabakh has never been a part of
Armenia. Distortion of the mentioned fact and to put responsibility
for the Nagorno Karabakh problem on Azerbaijan complicates peaceful
settlement of the conflict. The Congressman also noted that the
United States officially recognizes neither Nagorno Karabakh,
as an independent state, nor its government. Such policy in the
past was pursued by the government of Clinton, and now – by Bush
Administration. It is necessary to make it invariable so that any
attempt to exert pressure or change neutral position will lead only
to approval of artificial peace.

Congressman Barton regretfully noted that though on the threshold
of the G8 Summit, it was stated that for support of the peace
negotiations of the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, they would
be invited to the forum, and however, that did not occur. He said:
‘I think, a good chance was lost for move in the peace talks. At
the same time, I am optimistic, and am convinced that we along with
other states shall help Azerbaijan and Armenia to achieve peace,
finally solve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, essentially hampering
development of both countries, and also the entire region’.