Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

ICG: Nagorno-Karabakh: A Plan For Peace

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

  • ICG: Nagorno-Karabakh: A Plan For Peace

    NAGORNO-KARABAKH: A PLAN FOR PEACE

    International Crisis Group, Belgium
    Oct 11 2005

    http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?l=1&id=3740&m=1

    Tbilisi/ Brussels, 11 October 2005: A compromise peace in
    Nagorno-Karabakh looks possible, but significant stumbling blocks
    remain.

    Nagorno-Karabakh: A Plan for Peace,* the latest report from the
    International Crisis Group, examines the causes of the conflict,
    analyses the negotiation process led by the Organisation for Security
    and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and identifies the necessary
    elements of an achievable peace plan. An earlier Crisis Group report,
    from 14 September 2005, explored how Armenian and Azeri communities
    view resolution of the conflict.

    "The two sides appear close to agreeing on key principles of a peace
    deal", says Sabine Freizer, Director of Crisis Group's Caucasus
    Project. "It is essential that the governments now begin preparing
    their people for a compromise".

    Major elements of the proposed settlement package include:

    Leaving the core issue of Nagorno-Karabakh's status open for later
    resolution; withdrawal of Armenia-backed Nagorno-Karabakh forces
    from the occupied districts of Azerbaijan surrounding the entity;
    renunciation by Azerbaijan of the use of force to reintegrate the
    entity; deployment of international peacekeepers; return of displaced
    persons; and re-opening of trade and communication links.

    Nagorno-Karabakh's status should ultimately be determined by an
    internationally sanctioned referendum with the exclusive participation
    of Karabakh Armenians and Azeris, but only after the above measures
    have been implemented. Until then, Nagorno-Karabakh would remain part
    of Azerbaijan, though in practical terms it would be self-governing
    and enjoy an internationally acknowledged interim status.

    Eleven years after the 1994 ceasefire, burgeoning defence budgets,
    increasing ceasefire violations, and continuing demonisation by
    each side of the other side are ominous signs that time for a peace
    agreement is running out.

    "So far, despite progress in the negotiations, the resumption of war
    remains as likely as peace", says Alain Deletroz, Crisis Group's Vice
    President for Europe.
Working...
X