OSCE DEMANDS FROM ARMENIA TO RELEASE 5 REGIONS AND 13 VILLAGES OF LACHIN REGION OF AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan Business Center
March 15 2010

Baku, Fineko/abc.az. Azerbaijan disclosed the conditions within
the framework of the negotiation process under the aegis of OSCE on
peaceful settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno Garabagh conflict.

Today in Baku minister of foreign affairs Elmar Mammadyarov of
Azerbaijan said that the negotiation process envisages release of 5
out of 7 occupied regions around Nagorno Garabagh plus 13 villages
of the sixth region – Lachin at primary stage.

"Then it is foreseen opening of communications, holding of a donor
conference and realization of a range of programs already prepared by
the Azerbaijani side. Measures aimed at ensuring security of Nagorno
Garabagh population are envisaged as well," the FM said.

At the next stage it is expected release of the remaining part of
Lachin region and Kelbajari, return of Azerbaijani refugees and IDPs
under supervision of international observers and only at the third
stage the parties will deal with definition of status of Nagorno
Garabagh.

"We negotiate that all these stage will be conducted within the
framework of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and definition of
Nagorno Garabagh status does not mean that it will be carried out of
this principle," Mammadyarov emphasized.

He added that the Azerbaijan side selected peaceful way of settlement
and at the same time was analyzing all possible scenarios of the
negotiation process.

"Azerbaijan’s position is fair, and we accept the Madrid principles
of settlement. We consider that any conflict should be settled
first of all in a peaceful way and there possibilities for that,"
Mammadyarov claimed.

On the basis of consultations in the previous periods, last November
the sides were presented a renewed version of the Madrid principles.

"We consider that this document create opportunities for drafting a
"large agreement". It means that we chose diplomatic way and move
on it. If the Armenian party releases our lands, it will open great
opportunities for regional development from economic angle and improve
living conditions of people. I, as foreign affairs minister, believe
that this is the best way for settlement of the conflict as in such
case there will not be military rhetoric," Mammadyarov said.
From: Baghdasarian