EX-PRESIDENT OF PACE HOPES THE ELECTIONS IN ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN WILL HELP TO SETTLE THE KARABAKH CONFLICT

armradio.am
22.01.2008 16:06

The former Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council
of Europe (PACE), Rene van der Linden, believes that the upcoming
presidential elections in Armenia and Azerbaijan will help to settle
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

"I hope that the presidential elections in both countries will be
a new effort to resolve the conflict once and for all and forever,"
Rene van der Linden said during his interview with Trend.

The presidential elections in Armenia are expected in February and in
Azerbaijan in October. On the eve of the elections, the international
mediators are making efforts to strengthen the talks to settle the
Karabakh conflict, fearing that replacing the leaders may bring the
agreements reached to a gridlock.

"I was optimistic, visiting the region two years ago because talks and
meetings were held between the Presidents of the two countries," van
der Linden said. "This steady resolve should exist again in settling
the conflict. It is very important for the settlement of the conflict
which is a serious threat for the whole region," he said.

Speaking of his visit to the region in July 2007, Linden said that
that he was not optimistic with regard to the negotiation process. "I
want to believe for the change of the situation for the passed
period. Indeed, it is very important that both sides demonstrate a
will to resolve this conflict via talks. Using other methods, including
forceful methods, is unacceptable," the ex-President of PACE said.

Answering the question whether recognizing Kosovo’s independence will
affect the ‘frozen conflicts,’ including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,
Rene van der Linden said: "I do not know, but judging from experience,
I can say that even if Kosovo becomes independent, I do not believe
in the settlement of these problems."