AZERBAIJAN READY TO OPEN ITS BORDER WITH ARMENIA IN CASE OF RETURN OF FIVE REGIONS OF THE
ArmInfo
2009-09-09 12:42:00
ArmInfo. Azerbaijan ready to open its border with Armenia in case
of return of five regions of the "security belt" around Nagorno
Karabakh. As 1news.az reports, official representative of the
Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs Elkhan Polukhov said in an
interview to Today’s zaman that Azerbaijan may consider opening its
borders with Armenia in case of a breakthrough in the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict.
"It has been said in earlier statements from Azerbaijani officials that
Azerbaijan is ready to open borders and restore dialogue with Armenia
if the first stage of a plan to resolve the conflict is implemented",
Polukhov said.
Explaining Azerbaijan’s firm position on what it means as the first
stage, Polukhov said it would involve the return of five regions
adjacent to Nagorno-Karabakh, and then Kelbecer and Lachin. After
these developments, there will be negotiations on the return of
internally displaced persons (IDPs) to the occupied regions. "When
these conditions are met, both railways and highways between the two
countries will be operational", Polukhov said.
Commenting on the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement, the spokesperson
said Azerbaijan had clearly stated its position that the opening of
borders between Turkey and Armenia is not in line with the national
interest of Azerbaijan at this point.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
