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Azerbaijan's Perceptions Of Self-Determination Of Nagorno Karabakh A

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  • Azerbaijan's Perceptions Of Self-Determination Of Nagorno Karabakh A

    AZERBAIJAN'S PERCEPTIONS OF SELF-DETERMINATION OF NAGORNO KARABAKH ARE STILL QUITE FAR FROM REALITY, RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN SAYS

    NOYAN TAPAN
    DECEMBER 4, 2009
    YEREVAN

    YEREVAN, DECEMBER 4, NOYAN TAPAN. The OSCE Ministerial Council in
    Athens has not brought about any change in Azerbaijan's position on
    the Nagorno Karabakh problem. Political scientist Richard Giragosian,
    Director of the Armenian Center for National and International Studies
    (ACNIS), expressed this opinion at the December 3 press conference.

    According to him, the statements made by the Azerbaijani side after
    the Athens meeting show that their perceptions of self-determination
    of Nagorno Karabakh are still quite far from reality.

    R. Giragosian believes that a change in the Karabakh conflict
    settlement can be expected no earlier than in 5-10 years. The
    maximum thing that the sides may achieve is an agreement on the
    Madrid Principles. In his words, Karabakh should be more persistent
    in its demands that it be included as a side in the negotiations,
    otherwise it should not allow the Minsk group which "has suddenly
    become so active" to visit Stepanakert.

    R. Giragosian considered Azerbaijan's efforts to purchase new
    war-planes and a military satellite to be worrying, he also expressed
    concern about Russia's steps to improve its relations with Azerbaijan.

    In his words, these circumstances endanger the regional stability. At
    the same time R. Giragosian said that "Azerbaijan is far from being
    ready for war by 10-12 years, whereas the Armenian armed forces
    already today prepare for tomorrow".

    As regards the Armenia-Turkey protocols, R. Giragosian expressed
    an opinion that their weakness is that they do not envisage any
    responsibility for violation of the agreement. He said that although
    December 7 is the deadline for a recommendation about the protocols
    to be made by the Foreign Affairs Committee of Turkish parliament,
    the parliament will ratify them in February or March 2010 in order
    to link this issue with April 24 and not to allow the United States
    to recognize the Armenian Genocide. Nevertheless, according to R.

    Giragosian, if Turkey misses this opportunity, it will be perceived
    by the whole world as "insincere and unreliable".
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