BRUNO PUEZA: "I HOPE THAT AFTER THE SETTLEMENT OF THE KARABAKH CONFLICT THE INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS WILL BE ABLE TO RETURN TO THE CURRENTLY OCCUPIED LANDS"

Today.Az
itics/48931.html
Nov 12 2008
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with UN resident-coordinator in Azerbaijan Bruno
Pueza.

– How would you comment on the recent talks of Presidents of Azerbaijan
and Armenia under mediation of the Russian president and adoption of
the Moscow declaration on the Karabakh conflict by the heads of the
three states?

– I think it is important that the meeting took place and that the
two countries are strengthening a contact between each others. I hope
for the rapid development of the negotiation process on the peaceful
resolution of this conflict.

– Armenians often blame Azerbaijani powers of the attempt to change
the settlement format, while Azerbaijan just tries to involve other
main international institutions, primarily the United Nations, which
adopted four basic resolutions on the conflict. Which role do you
think may UN play in the conflict settlement?

– I think the decision depends on both countries. As far as I
understand, several years ago both countries agreed to entrust
the negotiation process to the OSCE Minsk group and support this
decision. This is a basis, taken into account by the United Nations.

– This year, the co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia for the
first time provided humanitarian aid in the amount of $2 mln to
the refugees and IDP of Azerbaijan. Are there plans to continue
this practice?

– Right, Russia has assisted Azerbaijani internally displaced persons
by means of the UN World Food Program. As for the plans for the
future, I do not have confirmation but I heard that this issue is
being discussed.

– Is the UN office working out any new programs on rendering assistance
to Azerbaijani refugees and IDP?

– I can not say anything new on this issue.

– Are you well acquainted with the situation with refugees and IDPs
in Azerbaijan. Do you expect the soonest resolution of their conflict
after the settlement of the conflict and return of Azerbaijani citizens
to their homes?

– I expect from the peaceful settlement of the conflict to include
return of the population, that was obliged to flee homes, to their
lands. I expect them to come back and I expect the Azerbaijani
government to render possible assistance to these families so that they
could start normal life in their homes in the currently occupied lands.