RUSSIAN POLITICIAN: SIDESOF THE ARMENIAN-AZERBAIJANI CONFLICT WILL AGREE ON SOMETHING IN THE NEAR FUTURE
Today
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Jan 21 2010
Azerbaijan
Day.Az interview with co-chair of Russia’s "Just Cause" party Leonid
Gozman.
On Monday, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan discussed a wide range
of issues with special emphasis on resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict during a Russia trip. Are there real conditions to ensure
that the conflict will come out a deadlock in 2010?
To be frank, I have no forecasts in this regard. It is hard process
to predict. I know exactly that this conflict is not the one that
can be solved by a magic wand. Moreover, I believe that this conflict
has no political solution that can satisfies all parties without what
they call losing face.
I imagine the solution somewhat differently when some unresolved
issues are negotiated for 30 years. In other words, the parties may
agree in a written form or orally to return to the solution of the
conflict after some time.
Do you suggest freezing status of Nagorno-Karabakh for 30 years?
For example, during the Arab-Israeli conflict, the parties to
the conflict froze the status of East Jerusalem. Leaving aside one
problem, the parties could discuss a host of other issues. Actually,
the understanding was later undermined.
Then how can Azerbaijan and Armenia contact once status of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is frozen for 30 years?
The core of my offer is to establish initial contact between the
two countries, which, I think, is much more important today. I mean
establishing diplomatic and trade-economic, cultural, environmental
and other kinds of relations. And if all these are resolved, even
the Nagorno-Karabakh problem will not be destructive in relationship
between the two countries.
Recently, Turkish PM Erdogan visited Moscow and Russian FM Lavrov
tripped to Yerevan almost simultaneously. Later, Armenian Defense
Minister Seyran Ohanyan arrived in Moscow. Naturally, all these
are interconnected. What are your views on the final proposals for
Azerbaijan and Armenia which may be prepared by mediators on the
sidelines?
I believe that the parties to the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict will
agree upon something in near future. I think that this agreement
will deal with normalizing situation in the region as a whole rather
the status of Nagorno-Karabakh. In this case Yerevan-Ankara and
Baku-Yerevan relationship are the main point.
Some political statements will be made regarding Nagorno-Karabakh,
because, as far as I know, today there is no a solution that would
satisfy the parties to the conflict. Of course, one of the parties
will made to accept the agreement, but it will renounce it as soon
as possible considering the agreement unfair. Therefore, the most
correct decision now will be normalization of relations between the
two countries.
You know that it is impossible to normalize relations without resolving
issue of the occupied territories. Azerbaijan will never accept this.
You know, Nagorno-Karabakh problem is a very emotional issue. This
is an issue of honor and saving face of the sides to the conflict. Of
course, there are points that Armenia or Azerbaijan will never accept.
However, they can decide not to talk about it some time and try to
mend relations without a final solution to this problem.
Russia has been more active than other intermediaries in recent years.
In your opinion, what is the reason: Russia pursues its own interests,
or we will witness sincere intermediary positions and not more?
I believe that Russia is extremely interested in peace in this region.
It already faces headaches in the North Caucasus. It has complex
relationship with several former Soviet republics Ukraine, and
Georgia. So, Russia does not want to see another conflict near its
borders, especially between the traditional partners like Armenia
and Azerbaijan.
If tomorrow, God forbid, we see armed conflict to erupt between the
parties again, I think, Russia will take action to reduce tensions
between the countries. I’m not saying that Russia should take part
in the war.
What do you mean by "actions aimed at reducing tensions"?
Azerbaijan and Armenia will depend on peace in the region to a certain
degree and from neighbors – Turkey, Russia and finally the United
States. So, in case hostilities are resumed, international steps
should be taken to enforce peace …
Do you mean enforcing peace by diplomatic means?
Yes. Diplomatic and economic means. I think there will be some
arguments that Yerevan and Baku will have to listen. The arguments
will come from consolidated international community …
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress