Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

BAKU: Azeri Official Says Armenia Should Use the Opportunity

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • BAKU: Azeri Official Says Armenia Should Use the Opportunity

    Azeri Official Says Armenia Should Use the Opportunity

    Baku Today, Azerbaijan
    July 19 2005

    Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov has held a press
    conference devoted to results of visit of OSCE MG co- chairmen to
    Azerbaijan and Armenia on Monday.

    He said co-chairmen's meetings in Baku were "effective and fruitful."
    "All elements and questions have been discussed," added Azimov. But
    he said that "negotiations were rather difficult and complicated."

    "I can't say that agreements have been reached. At all the meetings
    Azerbaijan has demonstrated a constructive position. Armenia also
    should occupy a constructive position, otherwise all opportunities
    will be missed," said Azimov.

    "In the past time Armenia uses many disputes and speculations. Peace
    agreement, which is in the interests of only one side, is impossible,"
    said Azeri Deputy Foreign Minister.

    He said Armenian and Azerbaijan Foreign Ministers are expected to meet
    in Moscow on August 23 to prepare for the meeting of the two countries'
    presidents, which is scheduled to be held on August 26 in Kazan. Azimov
    said Armenia tries to bring "new elements," which are not subject of
    the talks, in the negotiations. "There are great chances to achieve
    peace right now and the opposing party can lose them. I urge Armenia
    to use this chance," said Azimov, but he did not go into details.

    Asked about arisen difficulties, Azimov answered: "Azerbaijani
    territories must be given back. Armenia must not claim to Azerbaijani
    territories under the pretext of the corridor. Armenia can use the
    road passing through the Lachin corridor. But Lachin city cannot
    remain under occupation."

    He also expressed his opinion on the Nagorno Karabakh status. He added
    that this question could be resolved only through joint efforts of
    Armenian and Azerbaijani communities of Nagorno Karabakh.

    "At present part of people living in Nagorno Karabakh are Armenians,
    who arrived from abroad. Local Armenians are Azerbaijani citizens
    and Azerbaijanis must determine their status by themselves. For this
    purpose Azerbaijani population must return to the liberated territories
    and economic relationships and mutual confidence must be restored,"
    said Azimov.

    He refuted information about liberation of only five occupied regions
    around Karabakh earlier disseminated in media. Now the question of
    seven occupied regions is under discussion. But it's too early to
    speak about any agreement, said Azeri Deputy Foreign Minister.

    Azimov also refuted information about the forthcoming referendum
    in Karabakh. "Referendum is not a subject of talks. We are ready
    to any cooperation within the framework of Azerbaijan's territorial
    integrity. According to Azerbaijani Constitution, referendum must be
    only national," said Azimov.

    Opening of Aghdam-Khankendi-Shusha-Lachin-Sisian-Shakhbuz road will
    help to improve relationships and restore cooperation and confidence
    between people. MG co-chairmen support Azerbaijan in this question.
    Turkey is also ready to open communications, now it's up to Armenia
    to decide, said Azimov.
    From: Baghdasarian
Working...
X