ARAZ AZIMOV: PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV’S STATEMENTS DO NOT HAVE NEGATIVE IMPACT ON NAGORNO KARABAKH TALKS

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 16 2007

"CIS heads of state will hold unofficial meetings in extended format
in St. Petersburg. If there is need for it, Azerbaijani and Armenian
Presidents will meet within this format," Deputy Foreign Minister
Araz Azimov told the journalists, APA reports.

He said development of democracy in the countries which are parties
to the conflict is important factor in terms of the settlement of
the problem.

"The democratic evolution factor is influential for the settlement of
the conflict. In 1997, Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosian made
statements on establishing peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia and
this influenced his political career to a certain extent. I think it
is more important if there are politicians in the political system of
Armenia who stand for the withdrawal of Armenian Forces from occupied
territories of Azerbaijan," the Deputy Minister said.

Araz Azimov said Armenia and its people should think about its
interests of state. "This nation and civil society of Armenia should
keep state interest of Armenia as priority and understand, analyze
and let us know its thoughts on our proposals. Because time goes and
the time does not work for them. Azerbaijan is getting stronger. But
this should not be accepted as threat. I make an effort to explain
Armenians what they loss when choosing this or another way".

Araz Azimov said it is early to say what effect the parliamentary
elections in Armenia will have on the negotiations process over the
Nagorno Karabakh.

"New government will be formed after the new parliament. We will be
able to say anything after that. There are also Prague principles
which will be advanced later. Certainly, some difficult issues still
exist. The settlement of the conflict requires political will, and
we would like to know in what extent Armenian can advance its steps".

Deputy Foreign Minister also explained President Ilham Aliyev’s
speech before Shusha IDPs where he made public major principles of
the settlement. " These kinds of speeches can not have any negative
impacts on the negotiation process. President Ilham Aliyev announced
his view in very principal way. Matthew Bryza’s statements are likely
to reflect his countries political interests.