TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY AND SELF-DETERMINATION APPLY TO KARABAKH – US OFFICIAL

news.az
Feb 8 2010
Azerbaijan

James Steinberg US First Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg
thinks the Karabakh issue can be settled on the basis of two principles
of international law.

"I believe that the simultaneous use of the right of nations to
self-determination and territorial integrity is possible," Steinberg
said in an interview to Armenian Public Television on Sunday, according
to Interfax news agency.

He said the United States attached special importance to negotiations
between the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"We consider that the process in the Karabakh conflict settlement
may promote the welfare of all the peoples in the region. The United
States, co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group, remains loyal to the
obligation to assist the parties in searching for solutions. This is
not easy, but we believe all parties are willing to find a solution
to the issue and we are here to help," Interfax reported Steinberg
as saying.

He recalled the recent discussions with the Russian president in Sochi
saying "such involvement is very important". "I do not underestimate
the difficulties, but it is important to keep the parties involved."

Steinberg added it was too soon to speak about the terms of the
conflict settlement because Armenia and Azerbaijan must form an
atmosphere of trust.

As for the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty, Steinberg said every
country had the legal right to security and defence.

"However, we must consider the influence of these decisions in terms
of the security of other countries. There is a need for political
agreements on ensuring security rather than attempts to ensure security
only by means of armaments. The negotiations on the Karabakh issue
are important, because they help find more effective and diplomatic
ways to smooth differences and settle regional conflicts," the State
Department official said.

As for the possible involvement of Nagorno-Karabakh in the negotiation
process, James Steinberg said: "I think we have correct frameworks at
the current stage. I think the process of the Minsk Group is effective
and it will be right to move this way so far."