ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: "IF NOT FOR THE EVENTS AROUND SOUTH OSSETIA, AZERBAIJAN MIGHT HAVE TRIED TO SETTLE THE NAGORNO KARABAKH ISSUE BY WAY OF FORCE"

Today.Az
itics/48592.html
Oct 29 2008
Azerbaijan

"The political-diplomatic way is the only way of resolution of the
Karabakh conflict", said Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan
in his interview to BBC Russian service.

"The forced way can not be a solution, as after any war and any forced
solution, diplomats must initiate talks in worse conditions", said he.

According to Nalbandyan, the events around South Ossetia proved
that the forced approach creates additional problems, which are more
difficult to overcome.

"Azerbaijan has increased its military budget by 10 times through the
past 10 years and the events around South Ossetia became a kind of a
cold shower for Azerbaijani leaders, who suspended their bellicose
rhetorics and statements that the Karabakh conflict can be settled
by way of force", said he.

He added that "If not for the events around South Ossetia, Azerbaijan
might have tried to settle the Nagorno Karabakh issue by way of force".

Speaking of the activity of the OSCE Minsk group, the Armenian FM
said that the format of this structure has proved effective. "We
intend to continue talks in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group
and with the help of the co-chairs", noted he.

"There is no need to develop other formats for as I have said the
format of the Minsk Group is effective", noted Nalbandyan.

He also said that the United States should be more attentive to the
statements made in Washington, according to which there is a principle
of the territorial integrity, which must be respected.

Nalbandyan noted that "we are now at the stage of serious talks on
the resolution of the Karabakh conflict and we hope that these talks
will lead to a compromised solution".

"The status of Nagorno Karabakh is a key issue. This is the issue
of recognition and execution of the right of Nagorno Karabakh people
for self-determination. And we consider that under political will of
both parties, we will be able to come to a solution of the issue",
stressed the Armenian Foreign Minister.