Azeri official points to positive trends in Armenia’s stance on Karabakh
Trend news agency
30 May 05
Baku, 30 May: Positive trends are finally discernible in the position
of the Armenian administration on the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict,
Trend news agency has quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov as
telling a news conference on the issue today.
The deputy minister described as quite positive the stepped up
negotiations to resolve the conflict. He said the efforts of the
Azerbaijani side were currently aimed at implementing a concept
which includes the liberation of occupied territories, the return
of the Azerbaijani population to their lands, the creation of a
normal atmosphere for the coexistence of the Armenian and Azerbaijani
population after the latter’s return to Karabakh, and the establishment
of diplomatic and economic relations with Armenia.
Azerbaijan does not see a solution to the problem in the mere return
of occupied territories, the diplomat said and stressed that the
main objective was to ensure conditions for a normal and peaceful
coexistence of the Azerbaijani and Armenian population.
Before that can happen, it is necessary to change the current
situation. Territories have to be vacated and cleared from mines and
communication lines have to be restored as well, the diplomat added.
The deputy minister said that all this could not be done without the
assistance of international organizations. Touching on the issue of
security, the diplomat said experts had already started discussing
issues relating to the provision of security guarantees to those who
will be involved with restoration work.
Azimov did not rule out that this work might be carried out by
international peacekeeping forces.
Also being discussed in the negotiations is the provision of
guarantees, the diplomat said. He added that the guarantees are
considered at three levels: legal, practical and political. The
deputy minister believes that the UN Security Council should adopt a
resolution which would envisage the use of sanctions against countries
violating such agreements.
Azimov confirmed Azerbaijan’s position on the return of not five but
seven occupied districts, adding that the temporary withholding of
one or two districts could hurt the negotiating process and atmosphere.
The deputy minister then ruled out the possible impact of Azerbaijan’s
parliamentary elections on the negotiations.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress