Sabina Freizer: ‘EU member-states recognize territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan, which does not mean, however, that they are against
ensuring right of Nagorno Karabakh residents for definition of their
future status’

2008-07-10 13:42:00

ArmInfo. ‘EU may play even greater role in search of ways for the
resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Presently, EU is represented
in the OSCE Minsk Group by France but EU special representative could
fulfill observation functions, especially during direct talks of the
parties. Special representation of the EU and European Commission can
also work out special projects, aimed at maintenance of the atmosphere
of trust inside and around Nagorno Karabakh conflict, like in the
conflict area in Georgia. Yet, the possibility that EU will take the
side of one of the parties is low’, Sabina Freizer, head of the program
of the International Crisis Group on Europe says in an interview with
Day.az. She also added that it is difficult for the EU member-states to
play serious role in the resolution of the conflict, as they do not
have a single coordinated opinion on whether Nagorno Karabakh should be
part of Azerbaijan or it should be an independent state. On the whole,
the EU states do not approve separatist movements and prefer to avoid
alteration of borders. The EU member-states recognize territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan, which does not mean that they are against
ensuring the right of Nagorno Karabakh residents for definition of
their future status, she said. ‘ I am sure that main principles,
developed by the OSCE MG in cooperation with the conflict parties is
the best way for advancement. Azerbaijan has done everything possible
for inclusion of paragraphs about release of seven occupied regions and
return of all internally displaced persons to their houses, including
in Nagorno Karabakh, to the basic principles of the framework
agreement. The main differences are related to the possible status of
Nagorno Karabakh. Armenia insists on inclusion of the possible
independence of Nagorno Karabakh into the basic principles, which
Azerbaijan is against. I think that definition of the status of Nagorno
Karabakh should be put off until the time, when mutual trust between
Azerbaijanis and Armenians is restore’ S. Freizer said.