KHAZAR IBRAHIM: "THE UN RESOLUTION MUST BE OBSERVED BY EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE OSCE MINSK GROUP AND ARMENIA"

Today
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March 19 2008
Azerbaijan

We have said more than once that Nagorno Karabakh conflict can
be settled only in the framework of the territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan, which means the withdrawal of Armenia’s occupational
troops from all the occupied lands, including Nagorno Karabakh.

The due statement was made by the spokesman for Azerbaijan’s Foreign
Ministry Khazar Ibrahim at a traditional briefing in the Ministry.

He noted that the status of Nagorno Karabakh can be defined at the
next stages of the conflict resolution.

Ibrahim said commenting on the announcement of OSCE Minsk Group
co-chair Matthew Bryza in the interview to Voice of America radio
station about the necessity to withdraw Armenian troops from
Azerbaijan, that on the whole the co-chairs voice their support of
the principle of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

"The fact that the co-chairing countries voted against the UN
resolution, which fixes the principle of territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan, is not clear and is a mistake. The resolution, adopted by
the UN reflects a part of Madrid proposals. If the UN resolution has
been adopted, everyone, including the OSCE Minsk Group and Armenia
should observe it", he said.

Touching upon the resentment of the representatives of a number of
NGOs, as well as parliamentarians, by the actions of the Minsk Group,
he noted that it can be understood.

He said the co-chairs should understand that the Azerbaijani community
will not assess such steps as positive and this may certainly influence
their activity.

"We continue our work with the co-chairs. Elmar Mamedyarov met them
in Paris. Before and after the adoption of the resolution in the UN,
we have stated to the co-chairs that their position is not correct.

However, the matter is not about changing the format of talks. At
the same time, the resolution, adopted in the United Nations, creates
parameters for talks", he said.