KAMIL AGHACAN: ARMENIA WILL TRY TO ESTABLISH ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH AZERBAIJAN AND TURKEY IN EXCHANGE FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM OCCUPIED REGIONS
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 7 2007
"There is "a constructive uncertain situation" in the current
settlement process on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Everyone comments
on the situation in his favor", Geopolitical and Strategic Research
of the Eurasian Strategic Researches Center (ASAM) chief of Caucasus
Department Kamil Aghacan told APA.
He said Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents and OSCE Co-chairs know
the most precise situation on the conflict. "The first question that
rises is that- will Azerbaijan let Armenia to hold referendum in
Nagorno Karabakh in exchange for return of seven regions by Armenia?
I do not suppose Azerbaijan take such a step. Then will Armenia
withdraw from seven regions? I partly believe that Armenia will
withdraw its Armed Forces but it will be done in exchange for
serious concessions. Beside, issue on Lachin corridor will be settled
separately. Armenia never considered these seven regions as its.
Seven occupied regions was always economic and diplomatic burden.
Because, the army controlling occupied territories needs food and
equipment. I think Armenia will try to establish economic relations
with Azerbaijan and Turkey in exchange for withdrawal from 7 regions.
Because, Armenia’s economy is on the edge of collapsing".
Kamil Aghacan said the deployment of peacekeeping forces in the
region will remove from agenda Azerbaijan’s military invasion to the
region. Peacekeeping forces will be deployed on the front line of
liberated territories which will vanish probability of Azerbaijani
military invasion to Nagorno Karabakh. It means that Nagorno Karbakh
will be frozen problem be deploying peacekeeping forces there. It is
to be mentioned that until today Armenia required independence for
Nagorno Karabakh in exchange for withdrawal from seven regions but it
failed. On the other hand, it is not to imagine Armenian’s situation
if west impose sanction on Iran which will lead to the closing borders
between Iran and Armenia. Armenian first of all wants to escape from
economical complications.