Matthew Bryza: My words were misinterpreted
2007-12-08 13:07:00
ArmInfo-TURAN. American co-chair Mathew Bryza has been criticized for
the last two days by some mass media and Azerbaijan’s opposition
parties for his interview in which he said that he did not doubt that
after the presidential elections in 2008 the power in Azerbaijan will
not change. The opposition treats it as support of this regime by
Washington and violation of obligations to support democracy.
In this respect, Turan agency appeals to Matthew Bryza with a request
to clarify the situation. Commenting on the text of an interview
published in Azerbaijan’s mass media, the diplomat said that his words
were misinterpreted. "I did not say that the results of presidential
elections have been predetermined, and that the power in Azerbaijan
will not change. I said that there are 10 months until the elections
and it is not known who will be elected. However, irregardless of who
will be elected, the devotion to peaceful settlement and to the basic
principles of the settlement the Karabakh conflict will be kept," Bryza
said. "I think that basic principles are very fair, and I hope that the
question on military resolution of the question will not be on the
agenda," diplomat said.
Being asked about changes and supplements to the basic principles
submitted to Azerbaijan’s and Armenia’s Foreign Ministers in Madrid
Bryza said that he could not reveal the details , and there are a
number of "important moments" which differ from the initial variant,
though in the whole , there are not serious changes. Being asked to
comment the statement of Robert Kocharian that the main question at the
talks is the referendum on self-determination of Nagorno Karabakh Bryza
said that the status of Nagorno Karabakh is the most painful question.
However, there is a hope that until presidential elections in Armenia
and Azerbaijan "oral" agreement on basic principles will be obtained.
Commenting on the report of the International Crisis Group that after
2012 war in Karabakh can resume Bryza expressed a doubt in such
forecast. "How can they know what will happen after 2012? I am
convinced that there will not be military resolution of the conflict,"
Bryza said. Explaining his position Bryza said that military success of
any of the sides gives a ground for the next was for revenge of that
who lost. Such approach makes the conflict endless and will not lead to
peace. Regarding the next visit of the co-chairs to the region, Bryza
said that it will probably take place in mid January.