ARMENIA FM: NO DECISION POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF NAGORNO KARABAKH
Lusine Avanesyan

"Radiolur"
17.07.2009 11:24

On 16 July the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Edward
Nalbandyan, had a meeting with the President of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic, Bako Sahakyan, in Stepanakert.

Issues related to the current stage of the Karabakh conflict settlement
process were discussed at the meeting.

The parties underlined that restoration of the full-fledged negotiation
format was a must because no decision could be implemented without
the consent of Artsakh.

The meeting was followed by a short briefing. The Armenian Foreign
Minister said he appreciates the wish and consistent efforts of
Presidents of Russia, the United States and France, as leaders of
the Minsk Group co-chair countries, to help the parties bring their
positions closer and move forward towards settlement.

Turing to the Madrid Principles posted on the OSCE official webpage,
the Minister said those are simply suggestions for resolution,
negotiations are under way on some provisions.

"I’d like to draw attention to the fact that the document includes the
three principles Armenia has always declared about as basic principles
for settlement. Those are the determination of the status of Nagorno
Karabakh through the expression of free will on the people of Nagorno
Karabakh, which should have a legal binding force; uninterrup ted
land communication between Armenia and Artsakh; international security
guarantees," the Minister said.

The Madrid Principles include the issue of return of the refugees and
displaced persons. Commenting on this, Minister Nalbandian noted that
"no discussions are held on the return of refugees to Karabakh. The
questions will be referred to only after the final settlement of
the Karabakh issue and in a wider context, taking into account the
question of 400 000 Armenian refugees as well."

According to Edward Nalbandian, Armenia considers that the full
participation of Karabakh in the talks is a must and an effective
guarantee of the peace process.

"Naturally, Nagorno Karabakh may have different approaches to some
issues, but I’d like to underline that the opinion of Nagorno Karabakh
is of great importance for us. Armenia cannot ignore it and agree
to anything without the consent of the people and authorities of
Artsakh. My presence here today is another proof of it," Minister
Nalbandian said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress