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PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: SOONER OR LATER ARMENIA TO BE FORCED TO TAKE CONSTRUCTIVE POSITION (INTERVIEW)
Trend
July 15 2010
Azerbaijan
Trend interviewed Presidential Administration International Relations
department head Novruz Mammadov
Q: The next round of the Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations on the
peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is expected to be
held in Almaty this week. Taking into account the recent statements by
the presidents of the Minsk Group co-chairing countries, is it possible
to expect a constructive position from Armenia in the negotiations?
A: Taking into account all the points on this issue, we must accept
the statements by the Presidents of the United States, Russia and
France, especially the recent statement made in the Canadian city
of Toronto, as their common position. I believe that the processes
which became more intense amid this statement are a serious signal
for the Armenian side, because Armenia was first indicated in the
statement in an open form. I do not know how it is indicated in the
translation, but the original says that a serious step must be taken
in this regard, that is, in the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The proposals on the Madrid principles on which the Azerbaijani side
has expressed its position are on the agenda. Taking into account
that Armenia has not yet announced its position on this issue, this
statement and the appeals relate to the Armenian side. Therefore,
I believe that the Armenian leadership must recognize that. It gives
us a chance to believe that sooner or later, the Armenian side will
feel the pressure and will be forced to take a constructive position.
Q: How do you assess possible exerting pressure on Armenia by the
Minsk Group co-chairmen?
A: These statements mean a kind of pressure. Keeping borders closed
up to now is also pressure. The Azerbaijani President's putting
Azerbaijan's fair position in the forefront within the territorial
integrity and international law, and in parallel - strengthening the
army, rapid development also mean pressure on the Armenian side.
Pressure is just so. The pressure on the international arena, in
international relations must be understood in that context. Of course,
other forms will appear gradually. I think that all the members of the
international community express their position to Armenia regarding
this matter at the meetings with the Armenian leadership.
Some time ago, Armenians held "elections" in unrecognized
Nagorno-Karabakh. All international organizations and countries stated
non-recognition of these "elections". These countries and organizations
see Nagorno-Karabakh only as part of Azerbaijan. They recognize the
territorial integrity of the country. This fact is pressure.
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly former president said that the
responsibility in this matter falls on Armenia. But it is a pity
that he did not say it during his presidency, but only after leaving
the office. This means that Armenia must take steps towards the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. I believe that Armenia is under
heavy pressure over recent years.
Q: The issue of returning the Kalbajar and Lachin regions has been
on the agenda of the talks over recent period. Azerbaijan has agreed
with return of these regions within five years. Can this be estimated
as the last limit of concessions to the Armenian side?
A: In certain sense, tasks have been already made within the Madrid
principles and an agreement has been reached. Now one can talk only
about specific details of the issue. Certainly, these issues will be
discussed in details.
I think the main issue is today's position of Armenia on the Madrid
principles. If a meeting is held in Kazakhstan, they will have to
announce their positions on basic principles under OSCE patronage. At
the same time, discussions may be held, views on other specific
issues may be exchanged. There is nothing abnormal, as the process
of conflict settlement must be the result of discussions.
From: A. Papazian
Trend
July 15 2010
Azerbaijan
Trend interviewed Presidential Administration International Relations
department head Novruz Mammadov
Q: The next round of the Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations on the
peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is expected to be
held in Almaty this week. Taking into account the recent statements by
the presidents of the Minsk Group co-chairing countries, is it possible
to expect a constructive position from Armenia in the negotiations?
A: Taking into account all the points on this issue, we must accept
the statements by the Presidents of the United States, Russia and
France, especially the recent statement made in the Canadian city
of Toronto, as their common position. I believe that the processes
which became more intense amid this statement are a serious signal
for the Armenian side, because Armenia was first indicated in the
statement in an open form. I do not know how it is indicated in the
translation, but the original says that a serious step must be taken
in this regard, that is, in the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The proposals on the Madrid principles on which the Azerbaijani side
has expressed its position are on the agenda. Taking into account
that Armenia has not yet announced its position on this issue, this
statement and the appeals relate to the Armenian side. Therefore,
I believe that the Armenian leadership must recognize that. It gives
us a chance to believe that sooner or later, the Armenian side will
feel the pressure and will be forced to take a constructive position.
Q: How do you assess possible exerting pressure on Armenia by the
Minsk Group co-chairmen?
A: These statements mean a kind of pressure. Keeping borders closed
up to now is also pressure. The Azerbaijani President's putting
Azerbaijan's fair position in the forefront within the territorial
integrity and international law, and in parallel - strengthening the
army, rapid development also mean pressure on the Armenian side.
Pressure is just so. The pressure on the international arena, in
international relations must be understood in that context. Of course,
other forms will appear gradually. I think that all the members of the
international community express their position to Armenia regarding
this matter at the meetings with the Armenian leadership.
Some time ago, Armenians held "elections" in unrecognized
Nagorno-Karabakh. All international organizations and countries stated
non-recognition of these "elections". These countries and organizations
see Nagorno-Karabakh only as part of Azerbaijan. They recognize the
territorial integrity of the country. This fact is pressure.
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly former president said that the
responsibility in this matter falls on Armenia. But it is a pity
that he did not say it during his presidency, but only after leaving
the office. This means that Armenia must take steps towards the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. I believe that Armenia is under
heavy pressure over recent years.
Q: The issue of returning the Kalbajar and Lachin regions has been
on the agenda of the talks over recent period. Azerbaijan has agreed
with return of these regions within five years. Can this be estimated
as the last limit of concessions to the Armenian side?
A: In certain sense, tasks have been already made within the Madrid
principles and an agreement has been reached. Now one can talk only
about specific details of the issue. Certainly, these issues will be
discussed in details.
I think the main issue is today's position of Armenia on the Madrid
principles. If a meeting is held in Kazakhstan, they will have to
announce their positions on basic principles under OSCE patronage. At
the same time, discussions may be held, views on other specific
issues may be exchanged. There is nothing abnormal, as the process
of conflict settlement must be the result of discussions.
From: A. Papazian