Azeri Official Says Armenia Should Use the Opportunity
Baku Today, Azerbaijan
July 19 2005
Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov has held a press
conference devoted to results of visit of OSCE MG co- chairmen to
Azerbaijan and Armenia on Monday.
He said co-chairmen’s meetings in Baku were “effective and fruitful.”
“All elements and questions have been discussed,” added Azimov. But
he said that “negotiations were rather difficult and complicated.”
“I can’t say that agreements have been reached. At all the meetings
Azerbaijan has demonstrated a constructive position. Armenia also
should occupy a constructive position, otherwise all opportunities
will be missed,” said Azimov.
“In the past time Armenia uses many disputes and speculations. Peace
agreement, which is in the interests of only one side, is impossible,”
said Azeri Deputy Foreign Minister.
He said Armenian and Azerbaijan Foreign Ministers are expected to meet
in Moscow on August 23 to prepare for the meeting of the two countries’
presidents, which is scheduled to be held on August 26 in Kazan. Azimov
said Armenia tries to bring “new elements,” which are not subject of
the talks, in the negotiations. “There are great chances to achieve
peace right now and the opposing party can lose them. I urge Armenia
to use this chance,” said Azimov, but he did not go into details.
Asked about arisen difficulties, Azimov answered: “Azerbaijani
territories must be given back. Armenia must not claim to Azerbaijani
territories under the pretext of the corridor. Armenia can use the
road passing through the Lachin corridor. But Lachin city cannot
remain under occupation.”
He also expressed his opinion on the Nagorno Karabakh status. He added
that this question could be resolved only through joint efforts of
Armenian and Azerbaijani communities of Nagorno Karabakh.
“At present part of people living in Nagorno Karabakh are Armenians,
who arrived from abroad. Local Armenians are Azerbaijani citizens
and Azerbaijanis must determine their status by themselves. For this
purpose Azerbaijani population must return to the liberated territories
and economic relationships and mutual confidence must be restored,”
said Azimov.
He refuted information about liberation of only five occupied regions
around Karabakh earlier disseminated in media. Now the question of
seven occupied regions is under discussion. But it’s too early to
speak about any agreement, said Azeri Deputy Foreign Minister.
Azimov also refuted information about the forthcoming referendum
in Karabakh. “Referendum is not a subject of talks. We are ready
to any cooperation within the framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial
integrity. According to Azerbaijani Constitution, referendum must be
only national,” said Azimov.
Opening of Aghdam-Khankendi-Shusha-Lachin-Sisian-Shakhbuz road will
help to improve relationships and restore cooperation and confidence
between people. MG co-chairmen support Azerbaijan in this question.
Turkey is also ready to open communications, now it’s up to Armenia
to decide, said Azimov.
From: Baghdasarian