SABINE FREIZER: RECOGNITION OF AZERBAIJANI TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY DOES NOT EXCLUDE THE RIGHT OF KARABAKH PEOPLE’S SELF-DETERMINATION

AZG Armenian Daily
12/07/2008

Karabakh issue

" The European Union member countries recognize the Azerbaijani
territorial integrity, but it does not mean that they are
against giving the population of Nagorno Karabakh the right of
self-determination", announced International Crisis Group’s Europe
Program Director Sabine Freizer in an interview to Azerbaijani
"Day az".

According to Freizer, the European Union may play a greater role by
having a separate, special representative especially by implementation
of observatory mission.

What about the model of Karabakh issue, according to Freizer, EU
members do not have a joint agreed opinion whether Nagorno Karabakh
should be a part of Azerbaijan or an independent state.

It is more interesting that according to Freizer, the EU countries do
not show interest in having a key role in the settlement of Karabakh
conflict; moreover, they are not interested in involvement with Minsk
Group as they are absolutely satisfied with the present format of
the negotiations.

What about the UN involvement in the issue, Freizer told "Day az"
that two parallel mediator missions and even two negotiation processes
will lead to no result. .

What about the Minsk Group proposals and not-agreed points, the
principles are the best way to move forward, according to Sabine
Freizer.

"Azerbaijan has done everything possible to include the paragraphs
about release of seven occupied regions and return of refugees,
including the territory of Nagorno Karabakh. The main dispute is
over the status of Karabakh. Armenia insists that the possibility
of Nagorno Karabakh independence should be included in the basic
principles, but Azerbaijan is categorically against it. I think the
decision on the status of Nagorno Karabakh should be postponed until
mutual confidence between Armenians and Azerbaijanis is restored".