MATTHEW BRYZA: CITIZENS NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR DIFFICULT COMPROMISES

Noyan Tapan

Dec 26, 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 26, NOYAN TAPAN. Matthew Bryza, U.S. Deputy Assitant
Secretary of State has answered to the questions of Noyan Tapan.

NT – What was the reaction of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the call of the
Minsk group Co-Chairs (in Helsinki in early December) about an early
agreement on the settlement principles? Can a timeline for that purpose
(at least an approximate one) be determined for reaching that goal?

MB – Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s leaders have expressed their desire to
finalize the Basic Principles, but have also recognized they still have
much work ahead of them. The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs have suggested
mid-2009 as our target date for finalizing the Basic Principles and
then launching intensified negotiations on a formal peace agreement.

NT – What was the reaction of the two countries to the call of
the Co-Chairs to remove the snipers from the front lines? Will the
co-chairs make further efforts to that end?

MB – The leaders of the two countries expressed their understanding
of the importance of ending sniper incidents, which needlessly take
the lives of soldiers and civilians and raise tension to potentially
dangerous levels.

The Co-Chairs will keep pressing for a pullback of the snipers,
as well as other important confidence-building measures.

NT – What was the reaction of the two countries to the call on applying
other confidence-building measures? Have the co-chairs suggested any
specific measures and any time schedule for their implementation?

MB – Presidents Aliyev and Sargsian called for additional
confidence-building measures in the declaration they signed on November
22 in Moscow. The Co-Chairs have been discussing possible measures
with the Presidents and Foreign Ministers, including visits to both
countries by intellectuals and other civil society leaders. Personally
speaking, I believe there might be a possibility to build confidence
through archtectural and cultural preservation projects.

NT – During the last years, the co-chairs of the Minsk group have shown
a good example of co-operation between the three "superpowers." Do you
believe (or, maybe, you have some information) that the U.S. policy
regarding the Nagorno Karabakh issue will be continued under the
new administration?

MB – I cannot guarantee US policy on Nagorno-Karabakh, or any other
issue, will remain exactly the same in the new US Administration. But,
my best guess is that the strong interest of the US in a just and
lasting settlement to preserve peace and strengthen regional stability
will endure.

NT – Also, we will be happy to publish any commentary you will see
appropriate about the comments and interpretations concerning the
Nagorno Karabakh mediation process and its goals. As misquotes and
misinterpretations concerning these issues have been frequent in recent
months, the public opinion is very sensitive to any event of this type.

MB – I would like to add an appeal to journalists and other civil
society leaders to demonstrate the same commitment to a peaceful
settlement as guides the work of the countries’ leaders and the Minsk
Group Co-Chairs.

Instead, many people in both countries seem more concerned with
creating scandal. Too often, these scandals are artificially
manufactured in response to poor translations of statements those who
are involved with the actual negotiations. It is time for all leaders
of the parties, whether in government or civil society, to commit
themselves to helping their fellow citizens prepare for difficult
compromises that are required for a just and lasting settlement.

In this context, it is important to understand clearly how the
various principles of a settlement relate to each other. Today, the
United States, France, and Russia, and all Minsk Group countries
all recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. They all
also recognize that a peaceful settlement must also incorporate the
principles of self-determination and non-use of force.

I appeal to journalists in both countries to pay careful attention
to this statement. If any journalist believes one of the Co-Chairs
have made a statement that contradicts what is written above, that
journalist should check the translation or citation of that Co-Chair,
as it is likely incorrect. Please do not mistake a poor translation
or a quote that is twisted out of context for a scandalous departure
from the Co-Chairs actual positions.