AZERI TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY CANNOT BE BARGAINED – VICE-SPEAKER

Interfax
July 13 2009
Russia

Baku hopes for progress in the Karabakh settlement negotiations of
the Azeri and Armenian presidents due in Moscow on July 17, Azeri
Parliament First Vice-Speaker Ziyafet Askerov told the media on Monday.

"Hopefully, some progress will be made at the meeting," he said.

Most probably, the presidents will continue their meetings, he
said. "It is obvious to us that the Karabakh problem must be resolved
in compliance with the Azeri territorial integrity principle," he said.

Askerov said he was unaware of the Madrid settlement principles
discussed by the presidents.

"I have read the Moscow Declaration, which prioritizes the
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. This territorial integrity
cannot be bargained. Naturally, the negotiations must be held from
the position of Azeri sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

Askerov also commented on the possibility of Azerbaijan’s use of
military force in the restoration of its territorial integrity.

"Peaceful settlement would meet the interests of both countries.

But, this [the military solution] will always be on the agenda if
the Azeri interests are not met and its territorial integrity is not
ensured," he said.