Interfax, Russia
Russia & CIS
February 21, 2008

BAKU HOPES NEW ARMENIAN LEADERSHIP WILL CHANGE STANCE ON KARABAKH

Baku hopes that Yerevan will change its position on Karabakh after
the change of presidents in Armenia.I hope this leader will make the
right choice and will understand that Armenia and Azerbaijan are
still neighbors, Azeri Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov told the
press.

Armenia’s plans to change the border are unfeasible. Azerbaijan will
never accept this. Territorial integrity, therefore, has no
alternative. But within territorial integrity talks are possible and,
I am convinced, they will yield quick results, Azimov said.

One could agree with Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian’s
arguments that both sides should accept a compromise. But again, from
the point of view of international law, some issues must have a basis
that would be recognized by both sides. If the Armenian side fails to
understand this and if it doesn’t act in accordance with these
principles, no talks would be possible on any document or compromise,
Azimov said.