ELKHAN POLUKHOV: AZERBAIJAN MAY ALSO OPEN BORDERS WITH ARMENIA
armradio.am
09.09.2009 14:23
Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Elkhan Polukhov
told Today’s Zaman that Azerbaijan may consider opening its borders
with Armenia in case of a breakthrough in the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict.
"It has been said in earlier statements from Azerbaijani officials that
Azerbaijan is ready to open borders and restore dialogue with Armenia
if the first stage of a plan to resolve the conflict is implemented,"
he said.
Explaining Azerbaijan’s firm position on what it means as the first
stage, Polukhov said it would involve the return of five regions
adjacent to Nagorno-Karabakh and a certain date set for the return
of two neighboring cities, Kelbecer and Lachin.
Commenting on the Turkish-Armenian rapprochement, the spokesperson
said Azerbaijan had clearly stated its position that the opening of
borders between Turkey and Armenia is not in line with the national
interest of Azerbaijan at this point.
Talking about further steps, Polukhov also said that after these
developments, there will be negotiations on the return of internally
displaced persons (IDPs). When these conditions are met, "Both
railways and highways between the two countries will be operational,"
the spokesperson said.