Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
November 19, 2004, Friday
RUSSIA AND THE U.S. ARE RIVALS IN THE CAUCASUS
SOURCE: Vremya Novostei, November 16, 2004, p. 5
by Gayane Movsesyan
ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER VARDAN OSKANYAN ON THE INFLUENCE OF
EUROPEAN AND U.S. PRESENCE IN THE REGION ON RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN
RELATIONS AND THE PROBLEMS OF SETTLING THE KARABAKH CONFLICT
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan acknowledged on November 15 that
his views of the prospects of settling the Karabakh problem are
pessimistic. He complained that Baku wants to hold negotiations only
with Armenia. Mr. Kocharyan noted that in this regard he has to
defend the positions of Armenia and Nagorny Karabakh in negotiations,
though “this format does not reflect the essence of the conflict”.
This topic was discussed in Moscow during Armenian Foreign Minister
Vardan Oskanyan’s visit.
Question: Armenia doubts that Russia is its ally. Some forces demand
that Armenia orient to joining NATO. Will Yerevan change its foreign
political course?
Answer: The strategic character of Armenian-Russian relations will
not change. Take a look at the dynamic of contacts of our presidents.
Our negotiations are very productive. In fact, the population was
displeased a bit when the Russian-Georgian border was closed – this
created some obstacles for passengers and cargo moving to Armenia.
However, the border was opened, and society calmed down.
Question: Does the US and European presence in the region affect the
Russian-Armenian regions?
Answer: Armenia continues partnership with European and NATO
structures. This is a matter of security of the Caucasus, which
coincides with Russia’s interests. Russia and the US, Russia and
Europe are rivals in the Caucasus – not enemies. Such situation
cannot worsen relations between Russia and Armenia. We act on the
basis of the Friendship agreement signed in 1997. We also signed the
long-term agreement on economic cooperation. This makes our economic
contacts more active.
(…)
Question: Is there progress in settling the Karabakh conflict?
Answer: Nagorny Karabakh is one of the most topical problems in the
Caucasus. Azerbaijan often makes bellicose statements but the
armistice concluded in 1994 remains. This is a very important factor.
We have reached a point where we can achieve concrete decisions. This
has become possible thanks to negotiations held by the Armenian and
Azerbaijani presidents. However, concrete decisions require strong
political will. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan is trying to torpedo
constructive ideas.
Question: Armenia insists on solving the conflict in complex.
Azerbaijan prefers step-by-step settling of the conflict. Is it
possible to reach a compromise?
Answer: It’s a very important task for Armenia to determine the
status of Nagorny Karabakh. We reached concrete agreements regarding
this problem under Heidar Aliyev in 2001. However, Azerbaijan’s
position has become stricter since Ilkham Aliyev came to power.
Meanwhile, we have some approaches, which make it possible to settle
the problem.
(…)
Question: Azerbaijan insisted on adding the issue regarding the
situation in Azerbaijan’s territories occupied by Armenia to the
agenda of the 59th session of the UN General Assembly. Is it
reasonable?
Answer: Discussing this issue at the UN General Assembly will not
contribute to settling of the conflict. This will hinder the process.
I think that this is a serious mistake made by Azerbaijan, unless it
seeks to torpedo the situation. The international community states
that this move is very dangerous. The co-chairmen of the Minsk OSCE
group and a representative of the EU opposed discussing this issue at
the session.
We could reach a new level of relations if we started a second round
of negotiations at the level of foreign ministers. However, it’s
impossible now. We propose to continue discussing this problem within
the framework of the Minsk OSCE group. If Azerbaijan decided to
discuss the problem with other international structures it must
discuss it with representatives of Nagorny Karabakh.