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  • We need more determination

    We need more determination

    Interview by Karine Mangasarian

    Yerkir/arm
    October 29, 2004

    The options for resolution of Nagorno-Karabagh conflict are regularly
    discussed by the Armenian political circles. However, a certain
    deficit of proposals exists among our political leaders and
    analysts. What do our politicians think about the options of
    resolution of Nagorno Karabagh conflict?

    We asked some of our political leaders the following questions:

    1. The status quo is preserved and the negotiations do not seem to
    yield any tangible results. What should Armenia do in this context?

    2. In case the negotiations result in a consensus and some of the
    liberated territories are required in return for Karabagh's
    self-determination, what should Armenia's response be to this
    situation?

    3. What if the negotiations end in a deadlock and peace is threatened?
    If Azerbaijan starts a war what should Armenia do both at the external
    front and in terms of its domestic policies?

    We interviewed leader of Republican Party's parliamentary faction
    Galust Sahakian.

    1. There can be different ways of resolution of Nagorno Karabagh
    conflict. If all our political forces show determination and offer one
    solution, then it will be favorable for Armenia. The option we support
    is a package solution with a stress on Karabagh's status. This will
    contribute to the speedy resolution of the conflict and establishment
    of favorable economic environment in the Caucasus.

    After the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline is put into exploitation,
    Azerbaijan will have significant profits. In this context ensuring
    economic equilibrium and security in the region will be connected with
    the settlement of the Karabagh conflict, and this will be favorable
    for Armenia. We prioritize the determination of our domestic political
    forces regarding the Karabagh conflict.

    Some political forces completely ignore the Karabagh issue, others
    support a stage-by-stage approach as opposed to the package option,
    which we cannot accept. This is why I believe our internal unanimity
    and determination are so important. Karabagh has never been a part of
    Azerbaijan and can never become one.

    2. We cannot accept this option and this is why we stress the
    importance of Karabagh's status. The rest of the issues can be settled
    through open negotiations. Whenever we speak about mutual concessions,
    especially when we speak about them domestically, any such statements
    create certain opinions with the international community.

    And these opinions hold that concessions can be made connected with
    the liberated territories or better say the territories that ensure
    Nagorno Karabagh's security. Well, this might be an option, but I
    think concessions can only be made once Karabagh's status is
    specified. We can negotiate on issues like economic relations between
    Armenia and Azerbaijan, clarification of customs regimes, use of
    roads, etc. But Karabagh's status is a non-negotiable issue.

    As to the question that Armenia must necessarily give up some
    territories, first of all, no such proposals have ever been made. This
    is an option supported by some forces in Azerbaijan and this is what
    confuses some of our political forces. I think the continuous
    circulation of this idea in Armenia is very dangerous.

    3. There are no reasons for starting another war now because the
    Karabagh conflict cannot be solved militarily. No wars can solve
    conflicts: in any case, the warring sides end up sitting at the
    negotiation table.

    War can have unpredictable consequences. It will be disastrous for the
    entire Caucasus region. Moreover, none of the states interested in the
    Caucasus will accept the option of war. It's just a theoretical
    contemplation. Asto the militaristic statements periodically made by
    Azerbaijan, that's merely Aliyev's attempt to consolidate his power
    domestically.

    4. Only determination can contribute to achieving a solution of the
    Karabagh conflict that will be favorable for us. De facto, the
    Karabagh conflict has been resolved. All we need now is
    determination. Some political forces in Armenia do have that
    determination. I think the most important thing is that people have
    the necessary determination. As to the economic development of the
    country, we are experiencing steady economic growth.

    By the way, even if Azerbaijan's budget is larger, I think we, withour
    small budget but given the mentality of our people will be in a more
    favorable economic situation than Azerbaijan. The international
    community, including the European Union, is increasingly concerned
    with ensuring economic balance throughout the world. This concern will
    contribute to a favorable solution for Nagorno Karabagh conflict.

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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