KARABAKH CONFLICT A SOURCE OF DANGER FOR REGION – ALIYEV
Interfax News Agency
Russia & CIS General Newswire
August 29, 2006 Tuesday 11:54 AM MSK
A lack of a solution to the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a
predominantly ethnic Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan, is a source of a
major danger for the region, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said after
Monday talks with Slovenian President Janez Drnovsek in Bled, Slovenia.
"The absence of a solution to this problem represents a constant
source of considerable danger for the region. And my opinion is that
the sooner this conflict is settled, the quicker peace and prosperity
come to the region and the risks are reduced," Aliyev told a joint
news conference with Drnovsek.
Azerbaijan’s position is based on international law, he said.
"Naturally, a solution based on the norms and principles of
international law is the sole possible way to end the conflict.
Azerbaijan will continue to pursue its policy within these boundaries,"
the Azeri president said. Karabakh talks are currently proceeding
within the Prague format, which generally involves a stage-by-stage
settlement process, he added.
"In our opinion, it is an acceptable option. We hope that Armenia
will eventually demonstrate its constructive position and make its
own efforts to sort out this problem," Aliyev said.