ALIYEV EXPLAINED THE WAY TO SOLVE THE NAGORNO-KARABAKH PROBLEM
by Sokhbet Mamedov

WPS Agency
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
January 25, 2010 Monday
Russia

Speaking about peace, Baku does not give up the forceful option

PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV RELEASED SOME STATEMENTS DEALING
WITH THE PROCESS OF RESOLVING OF THE NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT;
Speaking at a broadened meeting of the cabinet of Azerbaijan, Ilham
Aliyev announced, "Although no practical results were achieved in
regulation of the main issue of our foreign policy in 2009, I think
that there was certain progress." According to him, "The way in which
the problem should be solved was made clearer." Aliyev said, "The
relevant document adopted at the OSCE meeting on the level of foreign
ministers in Athens shows the ways to regulate the conflict clearly."

Speaking at a broadened meeting of the cabinet of Azerbaijan, Ilham
Aliyev announced, "Although no practical results were achieved in
regulation of the main issue of our foreign policy in 2009, I think
that there was certain progress." According to him, "The way in which
the problem should be solved was made clearer." Aliyev said, "The
relevant document adopted at the OSCE meeting on the level of foreign
ministers in Athens shows the ways to regulate the conflict clearly."

He explained that this document outlined the provision saying that
the problem should be solved in the framework of territorial integrity.

The President of Azerbaijan remarked, "I think that the key aspect is
that Armenia has joined this document for the first time, has signed
it and thus has recognized solving of the problem in the framework
of territorial integrity."

It is necessary to remark that the final document of the meeting
of the OSCE on the level of foreign ministers speaks about the
right of nations for self-determination after the principle of
territorial integrity of countries. According to Aliyev, "The matter of
self-determination of nations should not breach territorial integrity
of countries."

Ilham Aliyev stated, "The problem will be solved in the framework
of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Occupation forces of Armenia
should be withdrawn from all occupied territories. Our compatriots –
forced migrants – should return there. In the future the Azerbaijani
and the Armenian communities of Nagorno-Karabakh should live in
conditions of big autonomy within the Azerbaijani state. This is
our position."

Meanwhile, local observers point out that continuing peaceful
negotiations official Baku does not give up the way of military
resolving of the conflict too. This is manifested by expenses on
defense of the country and arming of the army with ammunition,
modern armament and military hardware growing annually, as well as
accelerated development of the defense industry of Azerbaijan. In 2009
it is planned to allocate $2 billon from the budget of the country for
this purpose in 2010 alone. Approving such expenses, official Baku
believes that strengthening of the military potential of Azerbaijan
plays one of the most important roles in the negotiation process.

Source: Nezavisimaya Gazeta, January 21, 2010, p. 6