AZERBAIJAN REFUSES TO WITHDRAW SNIPERS FROM FRONT LINE – ARMENIAN DIPLOMAT

Interfax
May 19 2010
Russia

The authorities in Baku have rejected Armenia’s request to withdraw
Azeri snipers from the front line separating the armed forces of the
two countries, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan
said on Wednesday.

"Among recent examples, Azerbaijan has categorically rejected a
proposal to withdraw its snipers from the front line," Kocharyan said.

The Madrid principles presented by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen
offer a viable solution to the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, the
Armenian diplomat said.

"We know for certain that only one document is now present on the
negotiating table. These are the Madrid principles of 2007, which
were adopted by both sides as the foundation for their talks," he said.

"After it, the co-chairmen [of the OSCE Minsk Group] forwarded other
proposals, most of which were rejected by Azerbaijan," he said.

The declassified part of the Madrid principles says that the conflict
over Nagorno-Karabakh should be settled based on three international
norms – self-determination, territorial integrity and the non-use of
force, Kocharyan said.

"The essence of this process is the self-determination of the people
of Nagorno-Karabakh," he said.

"Is Azerbaijan ready to accept the will of the people of Nagorno-
Karabakh? Judging by its statements, it is not. Is Azerbaijan ready to
return the territories of Nagorno-Karabakh that it occupies? Obviously
not. Azerbaijan’s position will become constructive after fundamental
status-linked issues are resolved. There will be no progress as long
as Azerbaijan continues its maneuvers in this issue," he said.