Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Dec 1 2006

Vardan Oskanian: The activity of GUAM hampers Armenia’s development

[ 01 Dec. 2006 16:58 ]

`Yerevan has no intention to join the organization. We do not even
discuss the issue. The GUAM advocates an ideology that conflicts with
Armenia’s policy. The activities of this organization hamper
Armenia’s development,’ Armenian Foreign Minister told to the
journalists in the press conference held in Yerevan, APA reports
quoting to Panarmenian agency.

When commenting on the referendum to be held in occupied Azerbaijani
territories, Oskanian said that the people of Nagorno Karabakh are
free to choose their way themselves.
`This does not conflict with two principles of international law –
the principle of territorial integrity and the right of nations to
self-determination. The main outcome of the referendum will be not
its recognition by the international community but the expression of
will of the Karabakhi people. The international community may not
recognize the referendum outcomes but at the same time it cannot
neglect the will of the people,’ Minister Oskanian said.
Oskanian also stated that he will raise an issue concerning the
destruction of Armenian cross-monuments in Nakhchivan during his
meeting with PACE Secretary General Terri Davis to be held in
Strasbourg. He said that Armenia is ready to receive the mission on
protection of historical monuments and to provide them with necessary
documents. /APA/