ENVOY SAYS IRAN CAN MEDIATE KARABAKH SETTLEMENT

Azeri Press Agency
Nov 19 2008

Baku, 19 November: "The steps taken by the OSCE Minsk Group toward
resolution of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict may take forever. On
the other hand, the world no longer believes that super powers
treat problems fairly," the Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan, Naser
Hamidi-Zare’, has said.

Iran is concerned about the continuing state of war between the
two countries [Azerbaijan and Armenia] that are its neighbours,
the ambassador said. "Along with other mediators, Iran too can
take steps that may yield positive results toward resolution of the
conflict. This issue was stated frankly during meetings between the
Iranian and Azerbaijani presidents, as well as during the visit of
the Iranian foreign minister to Baku. Both sides confirmed that this
option is possible."

In the opinion of the diplomat, in order for Iran’s mediation to
be accepted, Azerbaijan and Armenia need to come to terms with
the reality. "Everybody knows that similar conflicts had gone on
for decades and were then cast aside. Armenia and Azerbaijan can
sincerely approach Iran for assistance in the resolution [of the
conflict]. However, this issue has to be announced by state officials
of both countries. At any rate, it must be taken into consideration
that Iran is a regional country and we know each other well. In this
aspect we could develop our ties in the future as well."

The Iranian ambassador also touched on the fact of the occupation of
Azerbaijani territories. "As a Muslim nation, the people of Azerbaijan
have not lost their determination. The people still view the occupied
territories as their motherland. Both common people and the elite
must untiringly continue the struggle for a peaceful settlement to
the conflict."