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March 14, 2008 Friday 10:30 PM EST
GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY
OF AZERBAIJAN, DEMANDING WITHDRAWAL OF ALL ARMENIAN FORCES
UNITED NATIONS
The United Nations issued the following press release:
Seriously concerned that the armed conflict in and around the Nagorny
Karabakh region of Azerbaijan continued to endanger international
peace and security, the General Assembly today reaffirmed
Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, expressing support for that
country's internationally recognized borders and demanding the
immediate withdrawal of all Armenian forces from all occupied
territories there.
By a recorded vote of 39 in favour to 7 against (Angola, Armenia,
France, India, Russian Federation, United States, Vanuatu), with 100
abstentions, the Assembly also reaffirmed the inalienable right of
the Azerbaijani population to return to their homes, and reaffirmed
that no State should recognize as lawful the situation resulting from
the occupation of Azerbaijan's territories, or render assistance in
maintaining that situation. (See annex for voting details.)
At the same time, the Assembly recognized the need to provide secure
and equal conditions of life for Armenian and Azerbaijani communities
in the Nagorny Karabakh region, which would allow an effective
democratic system of self-governance to be built up in the region
within Azerbaijan.
Introducing the draft resolution, the representative of Azerbaijan
said he did not accept the argument that the text was unilateral and
untimely. It had been prepared in accordance with international law
and was impartial. It had been prompted by unfolding circumstances,
both regionally and internationally, which had heightened concerns
over the status of the settlement process. It was, therefore, apropos
and timely.
Meanwhile, he said, Azerbaijan was gravely concerned and alarmed at
the lack of clear proposals from France, the Russian Federation and
the United States, the co-chairs of the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, under whose auspices talks
had begun in 1992. The co-chairs had expressed in words their support
for the objective of liberation for all the occupied territories and
the return of the Azerbaijani population to Nagorny Karabakh, but by
their deeds, they were trying to belittle that common endeavour.
The co-chairs had no right to deviate from the principle of
territorial integrity for the sake of their "notorious neutrality",
he stressed. Neutrality was not a position; it was the lack of one.
There could be no neutrality when the norms of international law were
violated. Neutrality under such conditions meant total disregard for
those norms. Four Security Council resolutions adopted in 1993
demanded the immediate withdrawal of the occupying forces from
Azerbaijan, while the General Assembly's dispatch of a fact-finding
mission to the territories in early 2005 had confirmed Armenian
settlement there.
Several delegates, speaking in explanation of position before the
vote, expressed support for the text and for Azerbaijan's just
stance. They included the representative of Pakistan, who spoke on
behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), noting
that the group had repeatedly called for the immediate, complete and
unconditional withdrawal of Armenian forces from all the occupied
territories, and for the peaceful resolution of the conflict on the
basis of respect of territorial integrity and the inviolability of
internationally recognized borders. OIC was deeply distressed by the
plight of more than 1 million Azerbaijani displaced persons and
refugees, and called for the creation of conditions for their safe
return home.
Also speaking before the vote, the representative of the United
States noted that the Minsk Group co-chairs had jointly proposed to
the two sides last November a set of basic principles for the
peaceful settlement of the conflict. The proposal comprised a
balanced package of principles currently under negotiation. Today's
resolution did not consider the proposal in its balanced entirety.
Because of that selective approach, the three co-chairs must oppose
that unilateral text, which threatened to undermine the peace
process.
However, he reaffirmed the negotiators' support for the territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan, and thus did not recognize the independence
of Nagorny Karabakh. But, in light of serious clashes along the Line
of Contact, which had occasioned loss of life, both sides must
refrain from unilateral and excessive actions, whether at the
negotiations table or in the field.
Calling the resolution a "wasted attempt" to predetermine the outcome
of the peace talks, Armenia's representative said that was not how
responsible members of the international community conducted the
difficult but rewarding mission of bringing peace and stability to
peoples and regions. The co-chairs had found that the text did not
help the peace talks; so had Armenia. Refugees and territories had
been created by an Azerbaijan that had "unleashed a savage war
against people it claims to be its own citizens". Only when the
initial cause was resolved would the fate of all the territories and
refugees concerned be put right.
Others speaking before the vote were the representatives of Slovenia
(on behalf of the European Union), France, Uganda, Ukraine, China and
Turkey.
Speaking in explanation of position after the vote were the
representatives of Indonesia, South Africa and Libya.
Azerbaijan's representative also spoke in exercise of the right of
reply.
The General Assembly will meet again at a date and time to be
announced.
Background
The General Assembly met this morning to consider the situation in
the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and to take action on a
related draft resolution.
Introduction of Text
AGSHIN MEHDIYEV (Azerbaijan), introducing the draft resolution on the
situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan (document
A/62/L.42), said the conflict in and around the Nagorny Karabakh
region of Azerbaijan had a long history. Qarabag (Karabakh in
Russian) - both its mountainous (Nagorniy in Russian) and lowland
parts, economically and politically linked - had always been a
historic province in Azerbaijan. In antiquity and the early Middle
Ages, the region had been part of a State known as Caucasian Albania,
which had existed from the fourth century B.C. to the eighth century
A.D. in the territory of present-day Azerbaijan. In 313, Christianity
had been proclaimed a State religion in Albania.
He noted that, in 1918, Azerbaijan had proclaimed independence and,
guided by the principle of good-neighbourliness, handed over the
Azerbaijani Iravan ( Yerevan) Province of the Republic of Armenia.
Nevertheless, the newly established Armenian Government had raised
claims to other territories, including Nagorny Karabakh, over which
the Armenian Assembly had formally accepted Azerbaijani rule in 1919.
During Soviet times, the Nagorny Karabakh region had enjoyed
political, economic and cultural autonomy and had developed faster
than Azerbaijan and Armenia as a whole.
The present stage of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict dated back to
the end of 1987, he noted. As a result of the repression carried out
in Armenia, 220 Azerbaijanis had been killed, 1,154 wounded and
approximately 250,000 expelled. That had been the last deportation of
Azerbaijanis who for centuries had resided in the territory presently
called Armenia.
In early 1988, the Armenian Government had instigated a secessionist
movement in the Nagorny Karabakh region, he said. In 1989, the
Armenian Parliament, in total contradiction to the Constitution of
the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, had adopted a decree on
"Reunification of the Armenian SSR and Nagorny Karabakh". In
continuation of those steps, Armenia, with the support of foreign
troops and the direct participation of international mercenaries and
terrorist groups, had unleashed a full-scale military operation that
had led to the occupation of the Nagorny Karabakh region and seven
adjacent districts. That occupation had been accompanied by a policy
of ethnic cleansing. As a result, more than 1 million Azerbaijanis
had become refugees and internally displaced persons.
He recalled that, in response to the occupation of the Azerbaijani
territories and alarmed by the severe humanitarian catastrophe, the
Security Council had adopted four resolutions in 1993 demanding the
immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying
forces. Negotiations under the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group had begun in 1992, and
Armenia had been the only one of the 54 participating OSCE States
that had not accepted the principles proposed as the basis for
settlement of the conflict. Moreover, Armenia had sought to
consolidate the occupation through illegal activities. It had
falsified history and misappropriated the cultural and architectural
heritage of all the occupied territories. Further, it had launched an
outrageous policy of massive illegal settlement of Armenians in the
occupied territories.
Having included the item on its agenda, the General Assembly had
considered it in 2004, as a result of which the first ever
fact-finding mission had been dispatched to the occupied territories
in early 2005, he said. The mission had confirmed the facts of
Armenian settlement in the occupied territories. The mission had
become feasible, owing to the Assembly's "just and right approach to
the grave concern articulated by Azerbaijan".
In a dangerous development, massive fires had occurred in 2006 in the
eastern part of the occupied territories, where the Azerbaijani
population would eventually return, he said. The most dangerous
development, however, had occurred on 4 March 2008, when the Armenian
occupying forces had grossly violated the ceasefire regime, resulting
in five casualties on the Azerbaijani side and 27 on the Armenian
side. That Armenian-led provocation had clearly been intended to
divert attention from the tense situation in the country. The use of
force had become a traditional method of Armenia's foreign and
domestic policy.
He said his country had always conducted negotiations in good faith,
whereas Armenia used negotiations as a cover for its illegal
activities. The talks were built on the clear stance of the full
restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty,
which were both indisputable and non-negotiable, both from the legal
and political view, and deserved support in the framework of the
negotiations and the draft resolution. The final settlement stage
envisaged a peaceful and prosperous region, where the Azerbaijani and
Armenian populations of Nagorny Karabakh would live in friendship and
security within the Republic of Azerbaijan. To arrive at that point,
the consequences of the conflict must be eliminated. That meant the
withdrawal of the occupying forces from all occupied territories and
the return of internally displaced persons. Transport and
communication links should also be restored.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan was gravely concerned and alarmed at the lack
of clear proposals from the co-chairs of the Minsk Group, he said. In
words they expressed support for the objectives of liberation for all
the occupied territories and the return of the Azerbaijani population
to Nagorny Karabakh, but in deeds they were trying to belittle that
common endeavour. The co-chairs had no right to deviate from the
principle of territorial integrity for the sake of their "notorious
neutrality". Neutrality was not a position; it was a lack of one.
There could be no neutrality when the norms of international law were
violated. Neutrality under those conditions meant total disregard for
those norms.
He concluded by describing as unacceptable the argument that the
draft resolution was unilateral and untimely. The text had been
prepared in accordance with international law and it was impartial.
It had been prompted by the unfolding circumstances, both regionally
and internationally, which had heightened concerns over the status of
the settlement process and, therefore, was apropos and timely.
Action on Text
The representative of Slovenia, speaking in explanation of position
before the vote on behalf of the European Union, said that, while
recognizing the right of Member States to bring issues to the
attention of the General Assembly for consideration, the Minsk Group
should retain the lead in settling the Nagorny Karabakh conflict. The
European Union reiterated its support for all the principles, without
exception, set up within the Minsk Group, and valued the views of the
Group's co-chairs.
She said the settlement of Nagorny Karabakh dispute was an important
part of the Union's European Neighbourhood Policy and featured
prominently in the related action plans. The European Union was ready
to support all steps that contributed to a peaceful resolution of the
conflict, and called on the parties concerned to avoid any actions
that could lead to heightened tensions and undermine the ongoing
mediation efforts.
The representative of the United States said the political-level
representatives of France, the Russian Federation and the United
States, as co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group dealing with the Nagorny
Karabakh conflict, had jointly proposed to the two parties a set of
basic principles for the peaceful settlement of the conflict, on the
margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Madrid in November 2007.
Those basic principles were founded on the provisions of the Helsinki
Final Act, including those related to refraining from the threat or
use of force, the territorial integrity of States and the equal
rights and self-determination of peoples. The proposal transmitted to
the two sides comprised a balanced package of principles currently
under negotiation. The sides had agreed that no single element was
agreed until all elements were agreed by the parties.
Unfortunately, the draft resolution before the Assembly selectively
propagated only certain of those principles to the exclusion of
others, without considering the co-chairs' proposal in its balanced
entirety, he said. Because of that selective approach, the three
co-chairs must oppose the unilateral draft resolution. They
reiterated that a peaceful, equitable and lasting settlement of the
Nagorny Karabakh conflict would require unavoidable compromises by
the parties, reflecting the principles of territorial integrity,
non-use of force, equal rights of peoples and other principles of
international law.
He said that, while the co-chair countries would oppose the
unilateral draft resolution, which threatened to undermine the peace
process, they reaffirmed their support for the territorial integrity
of Azerbaijan and, thus, did not recognize the independence of
Nagorny Karabakh. At a time when serious clashes had occurred along
the Line of Contact, occasioning loss of life, both sides must
refrain from unilateral and excessive actions, either at the
negotiations table or in the field.
The representative of France said he would vote against the draft
resolution unilaterally presented by Azerbaijan, although his
delegation fully supported the common position of the European Union
on the question of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict.
The representative of Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the
Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), said the group had a
long-standing, principled and firm position concerning Armenia's
aggression against Azerbaijan, and had articulated its full support
for the latter's just stance in relevant OIC declarations,
communiqués and resolutions at the summit and ministerial levels. At
their May 2007 session, OIC foreign ministers had reiterated their
condemnation of Armenia's continuing aggression against the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, which
constituted a blatant violation of the principles of the United
Nations Charter and international law. They had called for the
immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian forces
from all the occupied territories and for the peaceful resolution of
the conflict on the basis of respect for territorial integrity and
the inviolability of internationally recognized borders.
He also expressed support for the Azerbaijan Government's efforts to
remove obstacles to the peace process, such as the illegal transfer
of settlers of Armenian nationality to the occupied territories, the
alteration of geographic, cultural and demographic practices,
unlawful economic activity and exploitation of natural resources in
the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. OIC demanded that Armenia
stop those activities, as well as the continued destruction of
Azerbaijan's cultural and historical heritage, including Islamic
monuments. OIC was deeply distressed by the plight of more than 1
million Azerbaijani displaced persons and refugees from the occupied
territories, and called for the creation of conditions for their
safe, honourable and dignified return home.
Expressing deep concern over Armenia's efforts to consolidate the
status quo of occupation, particularly its continued illegal
settlement of Armenians in the occupied territories, he said they
undermined and prejudiced a negotiated settlement. OIC supported the
efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and bilateral consultations between
the two parties to settle the conflict peacefully. The parties were
expected to negotiate in good faith, and OIC called on the
international community to support the peace process, steering it
clear of impediments and a possible stalemate.
The representative of Uganda, aligning himself with the statement by
Pakistan, said his country firmly believed in a peaceful settlement
of disputes between States and was a fervent supporter of the
principle of inviolability of the sovereignty of States and respect
for territorial borders, in accordance with the United Nations
Charter. If there was any departure from those principles, it must be
well grounded in international law. Uganda saw no justifiable
departure in the present case; Azerbaijan had been a victim. Uganda,
therefore, supported the draft resolution, which was also in line
with Security Council resolutions, and would vote "yes".
The representative of Ukraine said today's discussion once again
highlighted the problem of protracted conflicts in the territories of
Azerbaijan, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. They remained major
impediments to the democratic and economic development of those
States. It was of vital importance that the international community
continue to take practical steps to help settle the conflicts based
on unconditional recognition of the territorial integrity of those
countries.
He said each of those conflicts had their own history and nature, and
therefore, settlement mechanisms should differ, but have a strong
basis in the clear adherence to human rights. Ukraine strongly
rejected attempts to connect the case of Kosovo to the conflicts in
the territories of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia.
At the same time, Ukraine consistently supported the Minsk Group
regarding settlement of the conflict, he said, noting further that
the Minsk process had not been exhausted. Azerbaijan and Armenia
should demonstrate flexibility and not undermine the possibilities
for a settlement.
The representative of China, expressing serious concern over the
question of Nagorny Karabakh, said he respected and supported
Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the
international community's efforts to promote the peaceful settlement
of the conflict. The situation was complex and sensitive. It had a
direct bearing not only on the relationship between Azerbaijan and
Armenia, but also on peace and stability in the entire Caucasus
region.
He said his country had always advocated the settlement of disputes
through peaceful negotiations, and had hoped the two countries would
pursue talks, in accordance with the Charter and in the context of
the Minsk Group. China supported the co-chairs' continued efforts to
play a constructive role, and hoped the three would continue seeking
to bring the two parties together for an earnest and in-depth
dialogue, leading to a breakthrough in negotiations.
The representative of Turkey, aligning himself with OIC, pointed out
that there was an ongoing peace process within the Minsk Group
framework. While there were concerns that the United Nations might
cause some "deviation", it should not be forgotten that the
foundations of the Minsk process were indeed embedded in the United
Nations Charter. Thus, it was difficult to understand how the United
Nations could derail a process that the Organization had helped bring
to fruition in the first place.
He said everyone should support the draft resolution as a means
towards that goal, turning it into an opportunity, rather than a
distraction. Everyone should remain committed to the Minsk Group
framework. As for timing, Turkey begged to differ with the argument
that the text might blur the assessment of the co-chairs. If it was a
critical time in the Minsk process, then there could be no better
occasion for the General Assembly to extend its support for the early
and peaceful settlement of the 16-year-old conflict. The draft
resolution sufficiently addressed the core of the predicament. After
all, the problem was essentially one of occupation, as close to 20
per cent of Azerbaijan's territory was occupied.
The representative of Armenia said it was unprecedented for a draft
resolution to be put to the vote without there having been any
consultations on it, in cynical disregard of the foundation of the
United Nations and every other organization. The purpose of the
drafters had never been to encourage or facilitate discussion. It was
simply a way for Azerbaijan to list its wishes on a piece of paper.
If the intention had truly been to contribute to the success of
ongoing negotiations, Azerbaijan would have put its energy into the
existing Minsk Group negotiation format.
He said that, after Azerbaijan had militarized the conflict 20 years
ago, there had been a full-scale war between Armenians of Nagorno
Karabagh and Azerbaijan. The result was thousands dead, nearly 1
million refugees and lost territories on both sides. Today, there was
a self-maintained ceasefire and negotiations under the auspices of
the Minsk Group. Despite that and attempts by Azerbaijan to divert
from the peace process, the talks were indeed moving forward. There
was now a negotiating document on the table that addressed all
fundamental issues, security being foremost among them. The Minsk
Group co-chairs had presented the latest version to the two sides at
the OSCE Ministerial Meeting in Madrid.
Yet, Azerbaijan risked sabotaging that process by presenting a draft
that ignored fundamental international norms and the real issues,
which must be addressed, he continued. In short, the draft was
counterproductive. It called for the immediate and unconditional
withdrawal of armed forces, while ignoring the security vacuum that
would result. Who would be responsible for the security of the
population of Nagorno Karabagh, which was already vulnerable, in the
absence of "international cover" safeguarded by those very armed
forces?
The draft also called for self-governance within Azerbaijan, he
noted. That had become impossible 20 years ago and was not possible
today, when the security of the Armenian minority was clearly
endangered. The international community had demonstrated that it
understood that, in various conflicts around the world. The
Government of Azerbaijan had forfeited its right to govern people it
considered its own citizens when it had unleashed a war against them
20 years ago. Armenians would not return to such a situation. Just as
victims of domestic violence were not forced back into the custody of
the abuser, the people of Nagorno Karabagh would not be forced back
into the custody of a Government that sanctioned pogroms against
them, and later sent its army against them.
Noting that the draft also asked for commitment by the parties to
humanitarian law, he questioned their commitment to the non-use of
force, the peaceful resolution of disputes and all the other
provisions of the Helsinki Final Act. The draft talked about
territories and refugees, but not how the consequences of the
conflict would be resolved if the original cause was not addressed.
Refugees and territories had been created by an Azerbaijan that had
"unleashed a savage war against people it claims to be its own
citizens". Only when the initial cause was resolved would the fate of
all the territories and refugees in question be put right.
The draft was a "wasted attempt" to predetermine the outcome of the
peace talks, he said. That was not how responsible members of the
international community conducted the difficult but rewarding mission
of bringing peace and stability to peoples and regions. The co-chairs
had found that today's text did not help the peace talks. Armenia
also knew it would undermine the peace process and asked other
delegations not to support it.
Taking action on the draft resolution, the Assembly adopted the text
by a recorded vote of 39 in favour to 7 against (Angola, Armenia,
France, India, Russian Federation, United States, Vanuatu), with 100
abstentions (see annex).
The General Assembly President then stated that, under Article 19 of
the Charter, Paraguay's vote would not be recorded today.
The representative of Indonesia, speaking in explanation of position
after the vote, said he had voted in favour of the text because it
reaffirmed Charter principles and objectives in addressing the
conflict; it supported the peaceful settlement of the conflict and
underlined the principles of respect for territorial integrity and
the inviolability of internationally recognized State borders. It was
to be hoped that the adoption of the resolution would contribute to
the intensifying of efforts to achieve a settlement that was
acceptable to both sides and in accordance with international law.
Indonesia continued to support the mediation efforts within the
framework of the Minsk Group, as well as bilateral consultations
between the parties. Both parties should remove obstacles to the
peace process.
The representative of South Africa said his delegation had abstained
from voting on the resolution because it supported the efforts of the
Minsk Group towards the settlement of the dispute between Azerbaijan
and Armenia, specifically the "Basic Principles for the Peaceful
Settlement of the Nagorny Karabakh Conflict". As a member of the
United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the African Union, South
Africa affirmed the territorial integrity of States and took note
with concern of the latest developments in the region, specifically
the outbreak of violence between the two sides on 4 March. The
parties should return to negotiations based on the norms and
principles of international law.
The representative of Libya, having also voted in favour, said he
supported countries under the yoke of occupation and the right of
refugees to return. Libya had hoped that the parties would have
reached agreement, but the international community had been asked to
pronounce itself on the item. The will of the international community
should be supported, as should the principles of national sovereignty
and territorial integrity. Flowing from the draft, the two parties
should overcome obstacles through direct negotiations, respecting
international law and international humanitarian law.
Right of Reply
The representative of Azerbaijan emphasized the utmost importance of
the resolution, which had been adopted despite the efforts of some
Member States. The text indicated Member States' firm stance. It was
timely, constructive, balanced and based on international law. It
provided the population of the Nagorny Karabakh region with the
possibility of self-rule and the territorial integrity of the State
to which it belonged, as well as the right of return and the
withdrawal of all occupying forces. It also supported mediation
efforts and made clear to Armenia that settlement of the conflict
could only be achieved on the basis of Azerbaijan's territorial
integrity.
He said the Armenian side and those supporting it must understand
that negotiations could continue only on the basis of international
law, and the status of Nagorny Karabakh could only be defined at the
level of international law. As long as Armenia continued to dictate
its will, proceeding from a fait accompli that sought to tear the
region away from Azerbaijan, it would not achieve peace with
Azerbaijan. There could be no talks on the basis of a fait accompli;
objective conditions must be created, such as relieving the
territories of occupation, rehabilitating them and allowing the
return of refugees.
There was deep resentment over the position of the Minsk Group
co-chairs, who had voted against the resolution, since the text had
been drafted carefully on the basis of the settlement they had
repeatedly assured that they would pursue, he said. However, the
co-chair's draft contained more disagreements than clarity.
Azerbaijan had taken note, however, of the co-chair's support for
continuing the process and expected them to work towards a draft on
basic principles, which would take today's resolution into account.
Azerbaijan would continue to be guided by the principles adopted in
the resolution and by the draft on basic principles.
ANNEX
Vote on Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan
The draft resolution on the situation in the occupied territories of
Azerbaijan (document A/62/L.42) was adopted by a recorded vote of 39
in favour to 7 against, with 100 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei
Darussalam, Cambodia, Colombia, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Georgia,
Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Moldova,
Morocco, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey,
Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
Against: Angola, Armenia, France, India, Russian Federation, United
States, Vanuatu.
Abstain: Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,
Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile,
China, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic
People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,
Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Finland, Germany,
Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya,
Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar,
Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique,
Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama,
Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
Korea, Romania, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname,
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, The former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, United
Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia.
Absent: Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape
Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, C?te d'Ivoire, Cuba,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji,
Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Lao
People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali,
Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia (Federated States of),
Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Syria,
Tajikistan, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United Republic of
Tanzania, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe.
March 14, 2008 Friday 10:30 PM EST
GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY
OF AZERBAIJAN, DEMANDING WITHDRAWAL OF ALL ARMENIAN FORCES
UNITED NATIONS
The United Nations issued the following press release:
Seriously concerned that the armed conflict in and around the Nagorny
Karabakh region of Azerbaijan continued to endanger international
peace and security, the General Assembly today reaffirmed
Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, expressing support for that
country's internationally recognized borders and demanding the
immediate withdrawal of all Armenian forces from all occupied
territories there.
By a recorded vote of 39 in favour to 7 against (Angola, Armenia,
France, India, Russian Federation, United States, Vanuatu), with 100
abstentions, the Assembly also reaffirmed the inalienable right of
the Azerbaijani population to return to their homes, and reaffirmed
that no State should recognize as lawful the situation resulting from
the occupation of Azerbaijan's territories, or render assistance in
maintaining that situation. (See annex for voting details.)
At the same time, the Assembly recognized the need to provide secure
and equal conditions of life for Armenian and Azerbaijani communities
in the Nagorny Karabakh region, which would allow an effective
democratic system of self-governance to be built up in the region
within Azerbaijan.
Introducing the draft resolution, the representative of Azerbaijan
said he did not accept the argument that the text was unilateral and
untimely. It had been prepared in accordance with international law
and was impartial. It had been prompted by unfolding circumstances,
both regionally and internationally, which had heightened concerns
over the status of the settlement process. It was, therefore, apropos
and timely.
Meanwhile, he said, Azerbaijan was gravely concerned and alarmed at
the lack of clear proposals from France, the Russian Federation and
the United States, the co-chairs of the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, under whose auspices talks
had begun in 1992. The co-chairs had expressed in words their support
for the objective of liberation for all the occupied territories and
the return of the Azerbaijani population to Nagorny Karabakh, but by
their deeds, they were trying to belittle that common endeavour.
The co-chairs had no right to deviate from the principle of
territorial integrity for the sake of their "notorious neutrality",
he stressed. Neutrality was not a position; it was the lack of one.
There could be no neutrality when the norms of international law were
violated. Neutrality under such conditions meant total disregard for
those norms. Four Security Council resolutions adopted in 1993
demanded the immediate withdrawal of the occupying forces from
Azerbaijan, while the General Assembly's dispatch of a fact-finding
mission to the territories in early 2005 had confirmed Armenian
settlement there.
Several delegates, speaking in explanation of position before the
vote, expressed support for the text and for Azerbaijan's just
stance. They included the representative of Pakistan, who spoke on
behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), noting
that the group had repeatedly called for the immediate, complete and
unconditional withdrawal of Armenian forces from all the occupied
territories, and for the peaceful resolution of the conflict on the
basis of respect of territorial integrity and the inviolability of
internationally recognized borders. OIC was deeply distressed by the
plight of more than 1 million Azerbaijani displaced persons and
refugees, and called for the creation of conditions for their safe
return home.
Also speaking before the vote, the representative of the United
States noted that the Minsk Group co-chairs had jointly proposed to
the two sides last November a set of basic principles for the
peaceful settlement of the conflict. The proposal comprised a
balanced package of principles currently under negotiation. Today's
resolution did not consider the proposal in its balanced entirety.
Because of that selective approach, the three co-chairs must oppose
that unilateral text, which threatened to undermine the peace
process.
However, he reaffirmed the negotiators' support for the territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan, and thus did not recognize the independence
of Nagorny Karabakh. But, in light of serious clashes along the Line
of Contact, which had occasioned loss of life, both sides must
refrain from unilateral and excessive actions, whether at the
negotiations table or in the field.
Calling the resolution a "wasted attempt" to predetermine the outcome
of the peace talks, Armenia's representative said that was not how
responsible members of the international community conducted the
difficult but rewarding mission of bringing peace and stability to
peoples and regions. The co-chairs had found that the text did not
help the peace talks; so had Armenia. Refugees and territories had
been created by an Azerbaijan that had "unleashed a savage war
against people it claims to be its own citizens". Only when the
initial cause was resolved would the fate of all the territories and
refugees concerned be put right.
Others speaking before the vote were the representatives of Slovenia
(on behalf of the European Union), France, Uganda, Ukraine, China and
Turkey.
Speaking in explanation of position after the vote were the
representatives of Indonesia, South Africa and Libya.
Azerbaijan's representative also spoke in exercise of the right of
reply.
The General Assembly will meet again at a date and time to be
announced.
Background
The General Assembly met this morning to consider the situation in
the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and to take action on a
related draft resolution.
Introduction of Text
AGSHIN MEHDIYEV (Azerbaijan), introducing the draft resolution on the
situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan (document
A/62/L.42), said the conflict in and around the Nagorny Karabakh
region of Azerbaijan had a long history. Qarabag (Karabakh in
Russian) - both its mountainous (Nagorniy in Russian) and lowland
parts, economically and politically linked - had always been a
historic province in Azerbaijan. In antiquity and the early Middle
Ages, the region had been part of a State known as Caucasian Albania,
which had existed from the fourth century B.C. to the eighth century
A.D. in the territory of present-day Azerbaijan. In 313, Christianity
had been proclaimed a State religion in Albania.
He noted that, in 1918, Azerbaijan had proclaimed independence and,
guided by the principle of good-neighbourliness, handed over the
Azerbaijani Iravan ( Yerevan) Province of the Republic of Armenia.
Nevertheless, the newly established Armenian Government had raised
claims to other territories, including Nagorny Karabakh, over which
the Armenian Assembly had formally accepted Azerbaijani rule in 1919.
During Soviet times, the Nagorny Karabakh region had enjoyed
political, economic and cultural autonomy and had developed faster
than Azerbaijan and Armenia as a whole.
The present stage of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict dated back to
the end of 1987, he noted. As a result of the repression carried out
in Armenia, 220 Azerbaijanis had been killed, 1,154 wounded and
approximately 250,000 expelled. That had been the last deportation of
Azerbaijanis who for centuries had resided in the territory presently
called Armenia.
In early 1988, the Armenian Government had instigated a secessionist
movement in the Nagorny Karabakh region, he said. In 1989, the
Armenian Parliament, in total contradiction to the Constitution of
the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, had adopted a decree on
"Reunification of the Armenian SSR and Nagorny Karabakh". In
continuation of those steps, Armenia, with the support of foreign
troops and the direct participation of international mercenaries and
terrorist groups, had unleashed a full-scale military operation that
had led to the occupation of the Nagorny Karabakh region and seven
adjacent districts. That occupation had been accompanied by a policy
of ethnic cleansing. As a result, more than 1 million Azerbaijanis
had become refugees and internally displaced persons.
He recalled that, in response to the occupation of the Azerbaijani
territories and alarmed by the severe humanitarian catastrophe, the
Security Council had adopted four resolutions in 1993 demanding the
immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying
forces. Negotiations under the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group had begun in 1992, and
Armenia had been the only one of the 54 participating OSCE States
that had not accepted the principles proposed as the basis for
settlement of the conflict. Moreover, Armenia had sought to
consolidate the occupation through illegal activities. It had
falsified history and misappropriated the cultural and architectural
heritage of all the occupied territories. Further, it had launched an
outrageous policy of massive illegal settlement of Armenians in the
occupied territories.
Having included the item on its agenda, the General Assembly had
considered it in 2004, as a result of which the first ever
fact-finding mission had been dispatched to the occupied territories
in early 2005, he said. The mission had confirmed the facts of
Armenian settlement in the occupied territories. The mission had
become feasible, owing to the Assembly's "just and right approach to
the grave concern articulated by Azerbaijan".
In a dangerous development, massive fires had occurred in 2006 in the
eastern part of the occupied territories, where the Azerbaijani
population would eventually return, he said. The most dangerous
development, however, had occurred on 4 March 2008, when the Armenian
occupying forces had grossly violated the ceasefire regime, resulting
in five casualties on the Azerbaijani side and 27 on the Armenian
side. That Armenian-led provocation had clearly been intended to
divert attention from the tense situation in the country. The use of
force had become a traditional method of Armenia's foreign and
domestic policy.
He said his country had always conducted negotiations in good faith,
whereas Armenia used negotiations as a cover for its illegal
activities. The talks were built on the clear stance of the full
restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty,
which were both indisputable and non-negotiable, both from the legal
and political view, and deserved support in the framework of the
negotiations and the draft resolution. The final settlement stage
envisaged a peaceful and prosperous region, where the Azerbaijani and
Armenian populations of Nagorny Karabakh would live in friendship and
security within the Republic of Azerbaijan. To arrive at that point,
the consequences of the conflict must be eliminated. That meant the
withdrawal of the occupying forces from all occupied territories and
the return of internally displaced persons. Transport and
communication links should also be restored.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan was gravely concerned and alarmed at the lack
of clear proposals from the co-chairs of the Minsk Group, he said. In
words they expressed support for the objectives of liberation for all
the occupied territories and the return of the Azerbaijani population
to Nagorny Karabakh, but in deeds they were trying to belittle that
common endeavour. The co-chairs had no right to deviate from the
principle of territorial integrity for the sake of their "notorious
neutrality". Neutrality was not a position; it was a lack of one.
There could be no neutrality when the norms of international law were
violated. Neutrality under those conditions meant total disregard for
those norms.
He concluded by describing as unacceptable the argument that the
draft resolution was unilateral and untimely. The text had been
prepared in accordance with international law and it was impartial.
It had been prompted by the unfolding circumstances, both regionally
and internationally, which had heightened concerns over the status of
the settlement process and, therefore, was apropos and timely.
Action on Text
The representative of Slovenia, speaking in explanation of position
before the vote on behalf of the European Union, said that, while
recognizing the right of Member States to bring issues to the
attention of the General Assembly for consideration, the Minsk Group
should retain the lead in settling the Nagorny Karabakh conflict. The
European Union reiterated its support for all the principles, without
exception, set up within the Minsk Group, and valued the views of the
Group's co-chairs.
She said the settlement of Nagorny Karabakh dispute was an important
part of the Union's European Neighbourhood Policy and featured
prominently in the related action plans. The European Union was ready
to support all steps that contributed to a peaceful resolution of the
conflict, and called on the parties concerned to avoid any actions
that could lead to heightened tensions and undermine the ongoing
mediation efforts.
The representative of the United States said the political-level
representatives of France, the Russian Federation and the United
States, as co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group dealing with the Nagorny
Karabakh conflict, had jointly proposed to the two parties a set of
basic principles for the peaceful settlement of the conflict, on the
margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Madrid in November 2007.
Those basic principles were founded on the provisions of the Helsinki
Final Act, including those related to refraining from the threat or
use of force, the territorial integrity of States and the equal
rights and self-determination of peoples. The proposal transmitted to
the two sides comprised a balanced package of principles currently
under negotiation. The sides had agreed that no single element was
agreed until all elements were agreed by the parties.
Unfortunately, the draft resolution before the Assembly selectively
propagated only certain of those principles to the exclusion of
others, without considering the co-chairs' proposal in its balanced
entirety, he said. Because of that selective approach, the three
co-chairs must oppose the unilateral draft resolution. They
reiterated that a peaceful, equitable and lasting settlement of the
Nagorny Karabakh conflict would require unavoidable compromises by
the parties, reflecting the principles of territorial integrity,
non-use of force, equal rights of peoples and other principles of
international law.
He said that, while the co-chair countries would oppose the
unilateral draft resolution, which threatened to undermine the peace
process, they reaffirmed their support for the territorial integrity
of Azerbaijan and, thus, did not recognize the independence of
Nagorny Karabakh. At a time when serious clashes had occurred along
the Line of Contact, occasioning loss of life, both sides must
refrain from unilateral and excessive actions, either at the
negotiations table or in the field.
The representative of France said he would vote against the draft
resolution unilaterally presented by Azerbaijan, although his
delegation fully supported the common position of the European Union
on the question of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict.
The representative of Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the
Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), said the group had a
long-standing, principled and firm position concerning Armenia's
aggression against Azerbaijan, and had articulated its full support
for the latter's just stance in relevant OIC declarations,
communiqués and resolutions at the summit and ministerial levels. At
their May 2007 session, OIC foreign ministers had reiterated their
condemnation of Armenia's continuing aggression against the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, which
constituted a blatant violation of the principles of the United
Nations Charter and international law. They had called for the
immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian forces
from all the occupied territories and for the peaceful resolution of
the conflict on the basis of respect for territorial integrity and
the inviolability of internationally recognized borders.
He also expressed support for the Azerbaijan Government's efforts to
remove obstacles to the peace process, such as the illegal transfer
of settlers of Armenian nationality to the occupied territories, the
alteration of geographic, cultural and demographic practices,
unlawful economic activity and exploitation of natural resources in
the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. OIC demanded that Armenia
stop those activities, as well as the continued destruction of
Azerbaijan's cultural and historical heritage, including Islamic
monuments. OIC was deeply distressed by the plight of more than 1
million Azerbaijani displaced persons and refugees from the occupied
territories, and called for the creation of conditions for their
safe, honourable and dignified return home.
Expressing deep concern over Armenia's efforts to consolidate the
status quo of occupation, particularly its continued illegal
settlement of Armenians in the occupied territories, he said they
undermined and prejudiced a negotiated settlement. OIC supported the
efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and bilateral consultations between
the two parties to settle the conflict peacefully. The parties were
expected to negotiate in good faith, and OIC called on the
international community to support the peace process, steering it
clear of impediments and a possible stalemate.
The representative of Uganda, aligning himself with the statement by
Pakistan, said his country firmly believed in a peaceful settlement
of disputes between States and was a fervent supporter of the
principle of inviolability of the sovereignty of States and respect
for territorial borders, in accordance with the United Nations
Charter. If there was any departure from those principles, it must be
well grounded in international law. Uganda saw no justifiable
departure in the present case; Azerbaijan had been a victim. Uganda,
therefore, supported the draft resolution, which was also in line
with Security Council resolutions, and would vote "yes".
The representative of Ukraine said today's discussion once again
highlighted the problem of protracted conflicts in the territories of
Azerbaijan, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. They remained major
impediments to the democratic and economic development of those
States. It was of vital importance that the international community
continue to take practical steps to help settle the conflicts based
on unconditional recognition of the territorial integrity of those
countries.
He said each of those conflicts had their own history and nature, and
therefore, settlement mechanisms should differ, but have a strong
basis in the clear adherence to human rights. Ukraine strongly
rejected attempts to connect the case of Kosovo to the conflicts in
the territories of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia.
At the same time, Ukraine consistently supported the Minsk Group
regarding settlement of the conflict, he said, noting further that
the Minsk process had not been exhausted. Azerbaijan and Armenia
should demonstrate flexibility and not undermine the possibilities
for a settlement.
The representative of China, expressing serious concern over the
question of Nagorny Karabakh, said he respected and supported
Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the
international community's efforts to promote the peaceful settlement
of the conflict. The situation was complex and sensitive. It had a
direct bearing not only on the relationship between Azerbaijan and
Armenia, but also on peace and stability in the entire Caucasus
region.
He said his country had always advocated the settlement of disputes
through peaceful negotiations, and had hoped the two countries would
pursue talks, in accordance with the Charter and in the context of
the Minsk Group. China supported the co-chairs' continued efforts to
play a constructive role, and hoped the three would continue seeking
to bring the two parties together for an earnest and in-depth
dialogue, leading to a breakthrough in negotiations.
The representative of Turkey, aligning himself with OIC, pointed out
that there was an ongoing peace process within the Minsk Group
framework. While there were concerns that the United Nations might
cause some "deviation", it should not be forgotten that the
foundations of the Minsk process were indeed embedded in the United
Nations Charter. Thus, it was difficult to understand how the United
Nations could derail a process that the Organization had helped bring
to fruition in the first place.
He said everyone should support the draft resolution as a means
towards that goal, turning it into an opportunity, rather than a
distraction. Everyone should remain committed to the Minsk Group
framework. As for timing, Turkey begged to differ with the argument
that the text might blur the assessment of the co-chairs. If it was a
critical time in the Minsk process, then there could be no better
occasion for the General Assembly to extend its support for the early
and peaceful settlement of the 16-year-old conflict. The draft
resolution sufficiently addressed the core of the predicament. After
all, the problem was essentially one of occupation, as close to 20
per cent of Azerbaijan's territory was occupied.
The representative of Armenia said it was unprecedented for a draft
resolution to be put to the vote without there having been any
consultations on it, in cynical disregard of the foundation of the
United Nations and every other organization. The purpose of the
drafters had never been to encourage or facilitate discussion. It was
simply a way for Azerbaijan to list its wishes on a piece of paper.
If the intention had truly been to contribute to the success of
ongoing negotiations, Azerbaijan would have put its energy into the
existing Minsk Group negotiation format.
He said that, after Azerbaijan had militarized the conflict 20 years
ago, there had been a full-scale war between Armenians of Nagorno
Karabagh and Azerbaijan. The result was thousands dead, nearly 1
million refugees and lost territories on both sides. Today, there was
a self-maintained ceasefire and negotiations under the auspices of
the Minsk Group. Despite that and attempts by Azerbaijan to divert
from the peace process, the talks were indeed moving forward. There
was now a negotiating document on the table that addressed all
fundamental issues, security being foremost among them. The Minsk
Group co-chairs had presented the latest version to the two sides at
the OSCE Ministerial Meeting in Madrid.
Yet, Azerbaijan risked sabotaging that process by presenting a draft
that ignored fundamental international norms and the real issues,
which must be addressed, he continued. In short, the draft was
counterproductive. It called for the immediate and unconditional
withdrawal of armed forces, while ignoring the security vacuum that
would result. Who would be responsible for the security of the
population of Nagorno Karabagh, which was already vulnerable, in the
absence of "international cover" safeguarded by those very armed
forces?
The draft also called for self-governance within Azerbaijan, he
noted. That had become impossible 20 years ago and was not possible
today, when the security of the Armenian minority was clearly
endangered. The international community had demonstrated that it
understood that, in various conflicts around the world. The
Government of Azerbaijan had forfeited its right to govern people it
considered its own citizens when it had unleashed a war against them
20 years ago. Armenians would not return to such a situation. Just as
victims of domestic violence were not forced back into the custody of
the abuser, the people of Nagorno Karabagh would not be forced back
into the custody of a Government that sanctioned pogroms against
them, and later sent its army against them.
Noting that the draft also asked for commitment by the parties to
humanitarian law, he questioned their commitment to the non-use of
force, the peaceful resolution of disputes and all the other
provisions of the Helsinki Final Act. The draft talked about
territories and refugees, but not how the consequences of the
conflict would be resolved if the original cause was not addressed.
Refugees and territories had been created by an Azerbaijan that had
"unleashed a savage war against people it claims to be its own
citizens". Only when the initial cause was resolved would the fate of
all the territories and refugees in question be put right.
The draft was a "wasted attempt" to predetermine the outcome of the
peace talks, he said. That was not how responsible members of the
international community conducted the difficult but rewarding mission
of bringing peace and stability to peoples and regions. The co-chairs
had found that today's text did not help the peace talks. Armenia
also knew it would undermine the peace process and asked other
delegations not to support it.
Taking action on the draft resolution, the Assembly adopted the text
by a recorded vote of 39 in favour to 7 against (Angola, Armenia,
France, India, Russian Federation, United States, Vanuatu), with 100
abstentions (see annex).
The General Assembly President then stated that, under Article 19 of
the Charter, Paraguay's vote would not be recorded today.
The representative of Indonesia, speaking in explanation of position
after the vote, said he had voted in favour of the text because it
reaffirmed Charter principles and objectives in addressing the
conflict; it supported the peaceful settlement of the conflict and
underlined the principles of respect for territorial integrity and
the inviolability of internationally recognized State borders. It was
to be hoped that the adoption of the resolution would contribute to
the intensifying of efforts to achieve a settlement that was
acceptable to both sides and in accordance with international law.
Indonesia continued to support the mediation efforts within the
framework of the Minsk Group, as well as bilateral consultations
between the parties. Both parties should remove obstacles to the
peace process.
The representative of South Africa said his delegation had abstained
from voting on the resolution because it supported the efforts of the
Minsk Group towards the settlement of the dispute between Azerbaijan
and Armenia, specifically the "Basic Principles for the Peaceful
Settlement of the Nagorny Karabakh Conflict". As a member of the
United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the African Union, South
Africa affirmed the territorial integrity of States and took note
with concern of the latest developments in the region, specifically
the outbreak of violence between the two sides on 4 March. The
parties should return to negotiations based on the norms and
principles of international law.
The representative of Libya, having also voted in favour, said he
supported countries under the yoke of occupation and the right of
refugees to return. Libya had hoped that the parties would have
reached agreement, but the international community had been asked to
pronounce itself on the item. The will of the international community
should be supported, as should the principles of national sovereignty
and territorial integrity. Flowing from the draft, the two parties
should overcome obstacles through direct negotiations, respecting
international law and international humanitarian law.
Right of Reply
The representative of Azerbaijan emphasized the utmost importance of
the resolution, which had been adopted despite the efforts of some
Member States. The text indicated Member States' firm stance. It was
timely, constructive, balanced and based on international law. It
provided the population of the Nagorny Karabakh region with the
possibility of self-rule and the territorial integrity of the State
to which it belonged, as well as the right of return and the
withdrawal of all occupying forces. It also supported mediation
efforts and made clear to Armenia that settlement of the conflict
could only be achieved on the basis of Azerbaijan's territorial
integrity.
He said the Armenian side and those supporting it must understand
that negotiations could continue only on the basis of international
law, and the status of Nagorny Karabakh could only be defined at the
level of international law. As long as Armenia continued to dictate
its will, proceeding from a fait accompli that sought to tear the
region away from Azerbaijan, it would not achieve peace with
Azerbaijan. There could be no talks on the basis of a fait accompli;
objective conditions must be created, such as relieving the
territories of occupation, rehabilitating them and allowing the
return of refugees.
There was deep resentment over the position of the Minsk Group
co-chairs, who had voted against the resolution, since the text had
been drafted carefully on the basis of the settlement they had
repeatedly assured that they would pursue, he said. However, the
co-chair's draft contained more disagreements than clarity.
Azerbaijan had taken note, however, of the co-chair's support for
continuing the process and expected them to work towards a draft on
basic principles, which would take today's resolution into account.
Azerbaijan would continue to be guided by the principles adopted in
the resolution and by the draft on basic principles.
ANNEX
Vote on Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan
The draft resolution on the situation in the occupied territories of
Azerbaijan (document A/62/L.42) was adopted by a recorded vote of 39
in favour to 7 against, with 100 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei
Darussalam, Cambodia, Colombia, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Georgia,
Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Moldova,
Morocco, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey,
Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
Against: Angola, Armenia, France, India, Russian Federation, United
States, Vanuatu.
Abstain: Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,
Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile,
China, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic
People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,
Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Finland, Germany,
Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya,
Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar,
Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique,
Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama,
Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
Korea, Romania, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname,
Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, The former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, United
Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia.
Absent: Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape
Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, C?te d'Ivoire, Cuba,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji,
Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Lao
People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali,
Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia (Federated States of),
Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Syria,
Tajikistan, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United Republic of
Tanzania, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe.