AZERBAIJAN ASSAILS ARMENIAN FORCES IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH
By A. Haroutiunian
AZG Armenian Daily
05/03/2008
National Security
According to Foreign Minister Oskanian, Azerbaijani Diplomacy has
also Taken an Aggressive Stance
On March 3, 2008, in the Martakert Region of Nagorno-Karabakh, the
Azerbaijani armed forces attempted a serious attack on the Armenian
positions.
"This incident quite differs from all the previous violations of the
armistice, to which we are used to.
In sense of weapons and military machinery engaged, this attack differs
from the others a great deal," stated on a press conference the same
day Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Vardan Oskanian.
As of yesterday, the skirmish still continued on the frontline, the
Azerbaijani side announced the loss of two soldiers. The Minster added,
"At a certain moment we lost a position, but regained it and restored
the status quo on the frontline. We strongly condemn this action of
violence and consider it as a provocation of the Azerbaijani side in
connection with the destabilized political situation inside Armenia.
Probably Azerbaijan counted upon taking advantage at the moment
when all of Armenia is focused on its internal problems. Luckily,
Azerbaijan’s plans failed".
The Co-Chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group, as well as representative
of OSCE Chairman in Office Andrzey Kasprszyk were immediately
informed about the incident. Yesterday Co-Chair Bryza and Special
Representative Kasprszyk left on an official visit to Baku and are
returning to Yerevan in a day or two.
They negotiate for restoring the armistice regime with the Azerbaijani
authorities.
"At first the negotiations were about the point that Azerbaijan
consented to cease the fire without giving up the occupied
position. This question was naturally settled by the fact that the
Armenian forces succeeded to take it back." In such circumstances,
according to Vardan Oskanian, the restoration of armistice will be
much easier.
Foreign Minister Oskanian also said that the diplomacy of Azerbaijan
has also taken an aggressive stance. The Azerbaijani side has proposed
a new resolution draft on Karabakh issue, based upon the precedent
of Kosovo.
The resolution draft is to be voted on March 14. The Foreign Minister
assured that the Armenian diplomacy is working to prevent the passing
of the resolution and stated that the proposal of it was another
Azerbaijani provocation, caused by the unrest in Armenia.
"The Chairing countries are trying to persuade Azerbaijan to call
the resolution back. If even those attempts fail, I hope at least
that the Chairing countries will not support the resolution," said Mr.
Oskanian. He also stated that the Azerbaijani authorities are trying to
put the newly elected President of Armenia into a difficult situation
with such measures.
Mr. Oskanian informed that in the state of emergency the Foreign
Ministry of Armenia shall work in a special regime, so as to ensure
providing verified and objective information.
The Foreign Minister reminded that OSCE Chairman in Office
representative Heikki Talvitie and EU Special Representative to South
Caucasus Peter Semneby are on a visit to Armenia and have met with
the President, Prime Minister, Parliament Speaker and opposition
political figures.