BAKU OBSTRUCTING NK SETTLEMENT TALKS – ARMENIAN FM

Interfax
Feb 17 2010
Russia

*** Azerbaijan is obstructing negotiations on ways to resolve the
conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh because it refuses to allow the self-
proclaimed republic to take part in the peace process, Armenian
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said.

"By objecting to Nagorno-Karabakh’s participation in the negotiating
process, Baku obstructs these talks because progress cannot be made
in them without Karabakh’s immediate involvement," Nalbandian said.

Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said earlier that he saw
the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan.

"What counts most is who is responsible for solving this issue.

This is a matter for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Certain parts
of the Madrid document, which were published immediately after the
statement made by the presidents of Russia, the U.S. and France in
L’Aquila, make this absolutely clear. If Azerbaijan is opposed to
this fundamental approach, it means that it is effectively obstructing
the negotiating process," the Armenian foreign minister said.

"As for measures to deal with the consequences of the conflict, it
is also necessary to bear in mind Azerbaijan’s occupation of three
districts and issues surrounding the return of refugees there. The
impact of the conflict must be tackled in parallel to measures aimed at
clarifying the reasons behind the conflict. All these issues should
be resolved through negotiations, on the basis of a mutual accord
and through peaceful methods," Nalbandian said.