Armenian Foreign Minister: "The right of Nagorno-Garabagh people for
self-determination is fixed in the document, discussed during
negotiations"

26 December 2007 [14:07] – Today.Az

To date the Garabagh issue does not have rivals among other conflicts
on the post-Soviet area, considering the content of talks and principle
of self-determination, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan said.

"All that we were dreaming of 8-10 years ago, have come true and the
co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group, as well as international circles,
who are informed about the continuation of the conflict settlement,
confirm this and differentiate between the Garabagh process and other
conflicts", he said.

He noted that the currently negotiated document is a result of the
efforts of the sides.

In particular, the Armenian Foreign Minister noted that the discussed
document fixes the right of Nagorno-Garabagh people for
self-determination.

"Much has been coordinated through these years, but there are a number
of problems, which have not yet been negotiated, therefore, the
co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group have been conducting a shuttle
diplomacy in an attempt to settle these issues", he said.

Oskanyan noted that the co-chairmen presented their approaches to
these issues in Madrid recommending the sides to carry out serious
discussions and come to an agreement.

"We intend to complete the document, as much have been done. We have
mentioned repeatedly that the document contains good opportunities, as
it is balanced and it fixes correct counterbalance of various
principles", Oskanyan noted.

He said the document must be brought to logical completion so that not
to start negotiation process from the beginning following presidential
elections in both countries.

At the same time, the Minister noted that the possible continuation of
the negotiation process either on basis of the recent proposals of the
co-chairman or in any other direction will be defined following the
expected visit of co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group to the region.

"Armenian policy on Garabagh is neither defensive nor aggressive. The
negotiation process is under way, and there are documents which are
coordinated. A progress has been fixed in the talks through these
years", Oskanyan said.

He noted that from the diplomatic point of view Armenia’s state is much
better than it was two years ago.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress