NAGORNO-KARABAKH REGION 'CANNOT DEVELOP' WITHOUT AZERBAIJAN
news.az
Dec 19 2011
Azerbaijan
'I think that many useful points in meetings conducted in different
levels because they are not held for the sake of acquaintance but
to find settlement of the problem'. The statement came from Foreign
Ministry Spokesman Elman Abdullayev during his interview to Gun.Az.
According to Abdullayev, indeed, the Minsk group's activity didn't
give any results this year. However, some points and directions
were defined.
"For example, a joint declaration was reached by five countries at the
OSCE Ministerial Council's summit in Vilnius. The summit emphasized
the involvement of all countries to settle the conflict through the
Minks group. It showed the activeness of not solely one country but
all Minsk group countries.
Mediation of a certain country is a positive thing. However, Azerbaijan
stands for overall activeness of Minsk group. As you know, Azerbaijan
expressed its position on renewed Madrid principles suggested by Minsk
group in Athens. Unfortunately, Armenia hasn't expressed its position
yet. Bu non-constructive steps, Armenia tries to demonstrate that it
is in more convenient position.
But Azerbaijan's approach is presented to the world community in so
argumented, clear and grounded manner that we begin to hear about
the inadmissibility of the status quo from OSCE country presidents
and Minsk group co-chairs.
What does status quo mean? It means occupation. I think the world
community understands very well that development in the South Caucasus
will remain under question until the settlement of the conflict.
Though Azerbaijan develops rapidly, gives impetus to Georgia's
development and conducts cooperation with Turkey at high level,
the overall development of the region trudges.
This is because of a known reason. I don't talk yet about the situation
in Armenia. The situation in this country is very miserable.
The Armenia's economy is facing regress and demographic crisis. Over
80-90,000 citizens leave the country every year. It gradually
becomes obvious that Nagorno-Karabakh region cannot develop without
Azerbaijan. This is because Azerbaijan is turning into a powerful
country. The 80% of the South Caucasus economy falls on Azerbaijan.
Some are concerned over this situation but this is a fact. I think
that besides the settlement of the conflict, Azerbaijan also needs
to be strong and it does gradually'.
The spokesman also noted that Karabakh is the issue of security.
'Azerbaijan has always focused on peace and security in the world
and we always support this process. During the term in the Security
Council, this issue will continue to remain on the focus of attention.
As to the conflict, this issue will be brought forth with the
coordination of member countries. They can include Minsk group member
countries since they are also members of the SC. On the other hand,
some other members of the Organization can also put forward this
issue. It means that not only the Azerbaijani side but also other
member countries can show interest in resolving the conflict. We will
deal with not one but several issues at the SC'.
news.az
Dec 19 2011
Azerbaijan
'I think that many useful points in meetings conducted in different
levels because they are not held for the sake of acquaintance but
to find settlement of the problem'. The statement came from Foreign
Ministry Spokesman Elman Abdullayev during his interview to Gun.Az.
According to Abdullayev, indeed, the Minsk group's activity didn't
give any results this year. However, some points and directions
were defined.
"For example, a joint declaration was reached by five countries at the
OSCE Ministerial Council's summit in Vilnius. The summit emphasized
the involvement of all countries to settle the conflict through the
Minks group. It showed the activeness of not solely one country but
all Minsk group countries.
Mediation of a certain country is a positive thing. However, Azerbaijan
stands for overall activeness of Minsk group. As you know, Azerbaijan
expressed its position on renewed Madrid principles suggested by Minsk
group in Athens. Unfortunately, Armenia hasn't expressed its position
yet. Bu non-constructive steps, Armenia tries to demonstrate that it
is in more convenient position.
But Azerbaijan's approach is presented to the world community in so
argumented, clear and grounded manner that we begin to hear about
the inadmissibility of the status quo from OSCE country presidents
and Minsk group co-chairs.
What does status quo mean? It means occupation. I think the world
community understands very well that development in the South Caucasus
will remain under question until the settlement of the conflict.
Though Azerbaijan develops rapidly, gives impetus to Georgia's
development and conducts cooperation with Turkey at high level,
the overall development of the region trudges.
This is because of a known reason. I don't talk yet about the situation
in Armenia. The situation in this country is very miserable.
The Armenia's economy is facing regress and demographic crisis. Over
80-90,000 citizens leave the country every year. It gradually
becomes obvious that Nagorno-Karabakh region cannot develop without
Azerbaijan. This is because Azerbaijan is turning into a powerful
country. The 80% of the South Caucasus economy falls on Azerbaijan.
Some are concerned over this situation but this is a fact. I think
that besides the settlement of the conflict, Azerbaijan also needs
to be strong and it does gradually'.
The spokesman also noted that Karabakh is the issue of security.
'Azerbaijan has always focused on peace and security in the world
and we always support this process. During the term in the Security
Council, this issue will continue to remain on the focus of attention.
As to the conflict, this issue will be brought forth with the
coordination of member countries. They can include Minsk group member
countries since they are also members of the SC. On the other hand,
some other members of the Organization can also put forward this
issue. It means that not only the Azerbaijani side but also other
member countries can show interest in resolving the conflict. We will
deal with not one but several issues at the SC'.