WPS Agency, Russia
What the Papers Say (Russia)
October 23, 2008 Thursday

ALIYEV IS PREPARED TO MEET WITH SARGSJAN

by Sokhbet Mamedov

BAKU IS SEETHING OVER THE RUMORS THAT THE RUSSIAN MILITARY MAY REPLACE
THE ARMENIAN IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH; Official Baku wants the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict finally settled.

Visiting Yerevan, President Dmitry Medvedev said a meeting between the
leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia might take place
soon. Official Baku seemed to like the idea.

"It may turn out to be an effective initiative indeed," Novruz Mamedov
of the Azerbaijani presidential administration said.

According to the official, the August developments in the region make
it plain that latent conflicts never cease being a threat. "I’d say
that time has come to settle the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict over
Nagorno-Karabakh," Mamedov said. "We expect Armenia to show wisdom and
take a constructive stand."

President of Armenia Serj Sargsjan meanwhile said Yerevan was prepared
to continue negotiations "on the basis of Madrid Principles" that
recognized Karabakh Armenian community’s right to
self-determination. "It is not these principles that constitute the
international law," Mamedov said by way of comment. "This particular
problem should be approached from the standpoint of the international
law that views territorial integrity as the first priority."

Mamedov then offered comments on reports in some media outlets that
Moscow suggested withdrawal of the Armenian army from Nagorno-Karabakh
and deployment of Russian troops there.

"Deployment of any forces on the territory of Azerbaijan without
official discussion of the matter with Baku is out of the question,"
the official said.

Karabakh conflict settlement and liberation of seven Azerbaijani
districts occupied by Armenia are Baku’s number one priority.
Political scientist Rovshan Bagirov suggested that the political
leadership was ready to consider any initiative that might promote
solution to the problem.

"As for the date of the trilateral meeting, I’d say it will take place
after the inauguration," Bagirov said.

The Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan verified the outcome of
presidential election and officially proclaimed Ilham Aliyev the
president on October 15.

Source: Nezavisimaya Gazeta, No 230, October 23, 2008, p. 6

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress