AZERBAIJAN ISSUES WRITTEN STATEMENT REFLECTING PRINCIPLES ON REGULATION OF NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT IN OSCE MINISTERIAL COUNCIL
Azeri Press Agency
Dec 5 2008
Azerbaijan
Helsinki. Tamara Grigoryeva-APA. Delegation of Azerbaijan attending
the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Helsinki has issued
written statement reflecting Azerbaijan’s Principles applicable to the
peaceful settlement of the conflict in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh
region of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
APA correspondent in Helsinki reports that the document reads
Azerbaijan is committed to solving the conflict by political means
and in a constructive manner. But Azerbaijan will never compromise its
territorial integrity and thus accept a fait-accompli based solution,
which the Armenian side is trying to impose.
The conflict can only be solved on the basis of respect
for the territorial integrity and inviolability of the
internationally-recognized borders of Azerbaijan, and peaceful
coexistence of Armenian and Azerbaijani communities in the
Nagorno-Karabakh region within Azerbaijan, fully and equally enjoying
the benefits of democracy and prosperity.
The ultimate objective of the settlement process is to elaborate
and define the model and legal frameworks of the status of the
Nagorno-Karabakh region within Azerbaijan. The process of definition
of any status shall take place in normal peaceful conditions with
direct, full and equal participation of the entire population of the
region, namely, the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities, and in their
constructive interaction with the Government of Azerbaijan exclusively
in the framework of a lawful and democratic process. Attempts to
define the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region in a situation of
continued occupation of the region and surrounding territories, and
forced displacement of Azerbaijani population are incompatible with
universal and European values and contradict the principles and ideas
of peace, democracy, stability and regional cooperation. Such attempts
seek to legitimize the results of ethnic cleansing and impose a fait
accompli situation on Azerbaijan.
A number of important steps have to be taken to reach a stage where
the parties concerned can start negotiating a self-rule status for
the Nagorno-Karabakh region within Azerbaijan:
â~@¢ The factor of military occupation must be removed from the
conflict settlement context.
Armenia has to withdraw completely from all occupied territories of
Azerbaijan. Delay of return of the territories can complicate the
already difficult settlement process.
â~@¢ IDPs should return in safety and dignity to their places of
origin in the Nagorno- Karabakh region and adjacent territories.
â~@¢ Special programs on reconciliation and tolerance should be
initiated with a view to foster cooperation between the two communities
in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
â~@¢ All communications in the region shall be opened for mutual use.
â~@¢ Upon release of the territories of Azerbaijan from the occupation
the rehabilitation and economic development of the region shall
take place.
–Boundary_(ID_xWQxZGP0ypIwkWedjB6w6A)–