MP: I THINK IT IS EXPEDIENT AND EFFECTIVE TO CHANGE COMPOSITION OF OSCE MINSK GROUP IF NO RESULTS ARE ATTAINED

Today.Az
cs/53048.html
June 11 2009
Azerbaijan

"Of course, it is difficult to clearly answer the question whether
the OSCE Minsk Group manages to fulfill its mission to settle the
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict or not", said Ali
Ahmedov, deputy chairman, executive secretary of the New Azerbaijan
Party and deputy of Milli Majlis, Ali Ahmedov.

"This group, according to mandate, is working to implement a complex
mission. Azerbaijan openly declares the need to resolve the conflict
peacefully. However, mediators’ support is needed for the peaceful
settlement of the conflict", he said.

According to A. Ahmedov, the Minsk Group through all years of existence
has made great efforts for the peaceful settlement of the conflict.

"I want to emphasize that in recent times these efforts became
intensified. And it is commendable. But all activities must be
evaluated on the basis of the results. Despite the fact that the OSCE
Minsk Group has marked over 17 years of its existence, the conflict has
not yet been resolved. Naturally, there is nonconstructive position
of Armenia, which does not intend to leave the occupied territories
of Azerbaijan.

It is possible to speak about other factors. However, unresolved
conflict, the presence of more than one million refugees and internally
displaced persons remain the main fact of this situation. Under
such circumstances, it is difficult to express appreciation for the
activities of the OSCE Minsk Group. Therefore, the Azerbaijani society
harshly criticizes its work. And I think that this criticism is fair",
noted the deputy chairman of the ruling party.

According to him, if the group is established to resolve any problem
and can not settle it despite the efforts made, the need for new
steps appears to change the situation. If the OSCE Minsk Group has
not been able to solve the problem for 17 years, it is precisely the
case when there is a need to do something new.

"The logic of the negotiations is that the expected miracle does
not occur. But it is necessary to change the situation and the Minsk
Group should change itself, at least in its format".

According to him, the mediation must be based on several principles.

"Perhaps, the most fair principle is the complete neutrality of the
mediators, so that no grounds for subjective approach were left. But,
I think, it is difficult to convince the citizens of Azerbaijan in
the total neutrality of the Minsk Group. However, at this point I do
not want to go into detail", said A. Akhmedov.

According to him, if this principle does not work, it is necessary
to use a different principle, the meaning of which is that if one
of the mediators is not neutral with respect to one of the parties
to the conflict, it is necessary to involve a mediator that could
ensure necessary balance in the negotiation process for the sake of
justice and restoration of parity.

"This would be fair and have a positive impact on the negotiation
process", he said.

"The Armenian side is protesting against Turkey’s involvement into
the issue, because it believes that Turkey is has a special position
on Azerbaijan. But at the same time, within the Minsk Group there are
parties who have never concealed sympathy for Armenia. And there is
a need for the country co-chairing the Minsk Group, which will treat
Azerbaijan similarly. I think it would be important from the standpoint
of fairness and parity. At the same time, it would give new impetus
to the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group", noted A. Ahmedov.

"Along with all this I would like to note that Azerbaijan welcomed the
idea of continuing the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group, because my
country believes that the possibilities for a peaceful settlement of
the conflict have not been exhausted. I want to stress the importance
of efforts to solve the problem, and noted the need for action by
the OSCE Minsk Group", he said.

"But I also think is it expedient and effective to change the
composition of the team, if no results are achieved", said A. Ahmedov.

"This is a very important issue. My personal opinion, and the very
philosophy of mediation is that it should either be completely neutral,
or consist of parties that would protect interests and positions of
all conflicting parties", concluded he.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress