LEADER OUTLINES AZERBAIJAN’S PLAN FOR KARABAKH SOLUTION IN TURKISH PARLIAMENT
ANS TV
Nov 6 2008
Azerbaijan
[Presenter] Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev today delivered a
speech at the Turkish Grand National Assembly as part of his visit
to Turkey. In his speech, the head of the state touched on ways
of resolving the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict and highly assessed
efforts of Turkey and Russia demonstrated recently with regard
to the resolution of the conflict. He noted that the work done,
particularly the recently signed Moscow declaration in the Russian
capital, increases hopes for the conflict resolution within the
framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
[Aliyev, addressing Turkish parliament] First of all, the declaration
calls for the resolution of the problem on the basis of international
legal norms. On the other hand, the stage-by-stage resolution of
the issue is confirmed. This reflects Azerbaijan’s position. We have
always said that the issue should be resolved stage-by-stage. First,
the occupied territories should be liberated from the occupying
forces, the Azerbaijani citizens should return to those lands,
once these happen, the future status of Nagornyy Karabakh can be
discussed. However, it is also clear that the future status should
be resolved as part of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. In brief,
the [current] non-resolution state of the conflict leads to the
growth of extra tension. However, at the same time, we think that the
steps taken and steps to be taken in years to come can lead to the
resolution of the issue. I want to say once again that Turkey’s very
serious approach to these issues makes us very glad and encourages
us. We approve and support Turkey’s position and I am convinced that
we will witness its new political steps.
[APA, Baku, in Azeri 00617 gmt 6 Nov 08 quoted Aliyev as saying that
the declaration also stressed the sides’ respect for international
law. Aliyev was quoted as saying that Azerbaijan attached great
importance to Turkey’s role in the conflict resolution]