MAMMADYAROV: AZERBAIJAN’S POSITION ON THE SOLUTION OF NK CONFLICT BASES ON RELEVANT UN RESOLUTIONS AND OSCE DECISIONS

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 26 2006

"The situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan recently has
become a subject of urgent consideration by the General Assembly due to
the massive fires registered in those territories," Elmar Mammadyarov,
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister said in the General Debate of the 61st
Session of the UN General Assembly.

"The Assembly adopted without a vote resolution stressing the necessity
to conduct an urgent environmental operation with a view of suppressing
the fires, overcoming the detrimental impact and rehabilitating the
affected territories. The resolution has two-fold purpose. On one hand,
it envisages a number of practical steps, including the assessment of
the short- and long-term impact of the fires on the environment as a
step in preparation for the environmental operation, counteracting to
the environmental degradation of the region and rehabilitation of the
fire-affected part of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. On the
other hand, it serves as an unprecedented example for engaging parties
to the conflict, Armenia and Azerbaijan, into a joint environmental
operation to be carried out directly in the fire-affected zone.

Implementation of resolution will contribute to establishment of
atmosphere of trust and confidence and will give positive impetus to
the negotiation process. Sadly, this is the only positive development
so far, and cannot be attributed to the overall situation around the
settlement process," the Minister underlined.

Mr.Mammadyarov also mentioned that no substantial progress has been
witnessed in the solution of the Nagorno Garabagh conflict.

"The parties and mediators accepted the stage-by-stage approach in
the settlement process as the only possible option. The status of
self-rule for the population of the occupied Nagorno Garabagh region
cannot be defined today. It should be elaborated through peaceful,
democratic and legal process with direct participation and consent
of both Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of the Nagorno Garabagh
region. To that end, the occupying forces have to withdraw from the
occupied territories and necessary conditions have to be in place
to allow secure and dignified return of the Azerbaijani displaced
persons to Nagorno Garabagh region and surrounding territories of
Azerbaijan. Our position based on relevant resolutions of the UN
Security Council and OSCE decisions, which unequivocally demand
unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from all occupied
territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan," he said.

Elmar Mammadyarov reproached Armenia for propagating by all means
the separatist regime established under its control in the occupied
territories of Azerbaijan and spreading myths and legends about the
historical past and alleged democratic and economic achievements of
the regime and said it has to take a number of steps for establishing
normal relations with its neighbors. The Minister also mentioned that
Azerbaijan as a newly elected member of the Human Rights Council once
again reiterates its readiness to cooperate with other Member States.

Mammadyarov stressed the recent growth in Azerbaijan economy. "The
year 2006 has marked a historic event for the region and beyond,
which is the official inauguration of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
(BTC) main oil export pipeline. At the same time we actively pursue
development of trans-regional infrastructure projects, in particular
Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad that has been recognized as an important
part of East-West and North-South transportation corridor."

The Minister also said that GUAM Member-States’ interests coincide
with UN interests. He touched upon peaceful solution of the Lebanon
conflict, UN reforms and Azerbaijan’s economic achievements.