"Zerkalo": Positive Regulation of Nagorno Garabagh Conflict Requires Definite Time

Democratic Azerbaijan
July 19 2006

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan declared it
underling that Armenian part should refuse non-constructive statements
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mamadyarov gave
exclusive interview for IA "Trend". We would like to present it below:
– How do you evaluate 33rd session of Ministers of Foreign Affairs
of Organization of Islamic Conference held in Baku? To what extent it
was efficient for Azerbaijan? – Results of 33rd session of Ministers
of Foreign Affairs of Organization of Islamic Conference were useful
from the point of view of political importance of discussed issues
and taken decisions and from the point of view of high evaluation
given by member-states. Wide opportunities were opened to address
global problems, threats, calls faced by world of today. In the
course of discussions such issues as peace process in the Middle
East, situation in Iraq and Somali, nuclear program of Iran etc. were
focused on. Important resolutions were adopted at session: "Destruction
of historical, cultural monuments of Islam on occupied Azerbaijani
territories on the part of Armenia", "Aggression of Republic of Armenia
against Republic of Azerbaijan", "Economical aid to the Republic of
Azerbaijan". – Which compromises should Armenia make for progress
of the process of regulation of Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Garabakh
conflict? Is any preparation made for next top level meeting? –
Efforts directed to regulation of the conflict should be made within
the scope of peace talks. In this respect Armenian side should refuse
non-constructive statements concerning previous talks, put up with
the fact that in the world of today occupation policy and policy of
ethnic cleaning cannot be accepted. As for top level meetings if the
matter concerns meeting of the Presidents, I can say that now talks are
held within the scope of Paris Peace talks process. In accordance with
Paris process uncoordinated issues shall be presented for discussions
of the Presidents as soon as they are coordinated at the level of
ministers of Foreign Affairs. Unfortunately, non-constructive position
of Armenia regarding some issues including return of IDPs impedes
talk process. Positive solving requires definite time. International
law and international conventions definitely recognize the right
to return persons who were forcibly removed from their places of
constant residence. – Which measures will be taken by official Baku
following acts of vandalism on the part of Armenia, which destroys
natural and cultural heritage on occupied territories of Azerbaijan?

– The issue was raised in the course of 33rd session of the Ministers
of Foreign Affairs of OIC. In this connection it was decided that OIC
Secretary General would apply to the UN Secretary General. Moreover,
diplomatic representative offices of the Republic of Azerbaijan to
foreign countries particularly to international organizations have
appropriate tasks in order to demonstrate documents and photos made
by satellite proving committed arsons and other acts of vandalism
to world community. In connection with this issue we declare
that no matter that these fires are natural or set purposefully,
Armenian side is responsible for negative consequences of fires
from ecological and moral point of views. – What development
perspectives Azerbaijan has within the frames of GUAM? – I hope,
GUAM will turn into influential international organization to solve
such issues as creation of democratic society and promotion of social
economic development, integration in European structures, providing
stability and security in the region, and it will promote joint
solving of complicated matters faced by member-states now. – Taking
into account statements made by some CIS members concerning walkout,
what is Azerbaijan’s position in this respect? – Now we have no plans
to review the level of our CIS-membership. We support more sweeping
reforms in CIS aiming at accordance with modern world building. –
What position does official Baku adheres regarding tension connected
with Iranian nuclear program? How possible attempt of forcible solution
may affect the situation? – We repeatedly stated that development of
nuclear program in peace effort and within the frames of cooperation
with International agencies on atomic energy is sovereign right of
every state. We hope that following efforts of international community
tension will be removed diplomatically. We do not believe that problem
will be solved by military intervention as we hold that maintenance
of stability and security is major task.