Mediamax, Armenia
Nov 20 2008

Armenia needs peace more than Azerbaijan – minister

The Azerbaijani foreign minister has said that Armenia will benefit
from the resolution of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict more than
Azerbaijan.

In an interview with the Armenian news agency Mediamax, Elmar
Mammadyarov said that although Azerbaijan has had its territories
under occupation, Armenia suffered more from the protracted conflict
over breakaway Nagornyy Karabakh.

"The resolution of the conflict is in the interests of both Azerbaijan
and Armenia. And probably more in the interests of Armenia than of
Azerbaijan. Indeed, the territories of my country will be liberated
from occupation and thousands of displaced persons will return to
their homes. However, let us look at what Armenia and the Armenian
people have gained from this war. Azerbaijan’s GDP is four times
greater than that of Armenia. Armenia is not involved in any strategic
regional projects, the lion’s share of Armenia’s GDP goes to military
spending… All the communications between Armenia and Azerbaijan are
interrupted, etc. Naturally, Azerbaijan, which has a million of
displaced persons and refugees and is sustaining economic losses due
to continuing occupation, is not the gainer either. However, the
situations are incomparable," Mammadyarov said.

He went on to say that the resolution of the conflict would make it
possible to improve the situation.

"The resolution of the conflict would enable the opening of
communications, Armenia’s involvement in regional projects, huge
investments in your country and the overall improvement of the
climate. Armenia will only benefit from this. And, believe me,
Azerbaijan is interested in having a prosperous, peaceful and
predictable neighbour," he said.