Interfax, Russia
March 19 2010

Azerbaijan’s refusal to negotiate with Karabakh hindering negotiations

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharian says Azerbaijan is
slowing down the negotiations on the Karabakh conflict settlement. "By
refusing to negotiate with Nagorno-Karabakh Azerbaijan is slowing the
negotiation process," Kocharian said on Friday.

Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said on Thursday the
participation by the Armenian community in Nagorno-Karabakh in the
negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the conflict is
contingent on the adoption by Armenia of the updated Madrid
principles.

"If Armenia adopts the updated Madrid principles, it opens up a way to
the preparation of the big agreement, which can be joined by the
Armenian and Azeri communities of Nagorno-Karabakh," Mammadyarov said,
commenting on the statement by Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandian saying that no progress can be achieved in the conflict
settlement if Nagorno-Karabakh does not join the process.

The status of Nagorno-Karabakh will be determined after forced
migrants return to the region, the minister said. "How it will happen
we don’t know yet. This work will not end with the return of the
forced migrants to their land and special committees may be created in
the future to solve the corresponding problems. However, it is too
early to address this issue now," Mammadyarov said.

The Azeri foreign minister said earlier this week that the
negotiations on the Karabakh settlement envisions the release by
Armenia of five of the seven occupied areas around Nagorno-Karabakh
and 13 villages of the sixth region (Lachi region) at the first stage.

"The next stage is the opening of communications, a donor conference,
and the implementation of a number of programs that have already been
prepared by Azerbaijan. There are also plans to take measures to
ensure the security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh," the minister
said.

The next stage is expected to include the release of the remaining
part of the Lachi region and the Kalbadzhar region, the return of
Azeri refugees and forced migrants under international monitors’
supervision.

The status of Nagorno-Karabakh will be determined at the third stage,
the Azeri foreign minister said.