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Araz Azimov: â€œEmptying of seven regions around Nagorno Karabakh does not mean a solution to the conflictâ€

06 October 2009 12:04 (UTC +04:00)

Deputy Minister said more attention will be paid to some issues, others will be discussed in the following stages.
â€œThe situation is not simple. There is no unilateral variant of solution, compromise is bilateral. You should have to give something in order to get something. This process of solution is bilateral and Azerbaijan has already publicized its compromises. Azerbaijan is ready to compromise. Azerbaijan has expressed its readiness to give the highest self-management model to Nagorno Karabakh, the two communities that will live there within the framework of Azerbaijanâ€™s territorial integrity.

It means that Azerbaijan has already chosen its way, compromised and is standing in the middle of the bridge. Now Armenia should refrain from its position and come to the middle of the bridge. It means that Armenia should give consent to the solution to the problems within the framework of Azerbaijanâ€™s territorial integrity. If it does not do it, it means that there is no common conceptual denominator. There should be a common basis on which the sides can continue discussions. All the issues arising from this conceptual position will be solved anyway,â€ he said.

Araz Azimov once more underlined the possibility of solving conflicts within the framework of the countriesâ€™ territorial integrity.
â€œThere are principle points, norms and principles of the international law. Azerbaijan is ready to act in line with it. Azerbaijan, which is moving in this direction, repeats its proposals. Emptying of seven regions around Nagorno Karabakh does not mean a solution to the conflict. This is a step toward the solution, a necessary stepâ€¦ Nagorno Karabakh conflict can not be solved unless these territories are under occupation. The people should return, and for this the territories should be emptied,â€ he said.

Deputy Minister also touched on the other principle moment of the solution.
â€œThe conflict will be solved within the framework of Azerbaijanâ€™s territorial integrity, restoration of the coexistence of the two communities and determination of the Nagorno Karabakhâ€™s status in the following stage.

Emptying of seven regions around Nagorno Karabakh does not mean a solution to the conflict. The people must return home for reaching next phases. The Nagorno Karabakh problem will be solved only in case that Azerbaijanis will return to their homeland first. The Karabakh Azerbaijanis will create normal conditions by cooperation and peaceful co-existence with the Armenians after the return. Only these objective conditions will promote final solution of the problems in the next phase. It is not possible and acceptable to change this logicâ€.

Azimov said Armeniaâ€™s last statements created deep concern. â€œAt the same time these statements create basis for confirmation of our fair position. The Azerbaijanis were expelled from Karabakh as a result of ethnic cleansing and the status will not be determined after the solution of this problem. The status determined under other conditions will not be accepted by anyone and continued even a day. The compromise should have mutual character and the issue not agreed with Azerbaijan couldnâ€™t be turned into reality for Armenia. Azerbaijan doesnâ€™t see any format or option except the territorial integrity and Armenia should act and make demands only within this format. The solution of the problem is very important for the region. The problem seriously damaged the region. There is no connection between the countries and some problems couldnâ€™t be solved because of this conflict. Despite the conflict, Azerbaijan made significant achievements in its development. Armenia should take all these factors into consideration and think over this. This is not a threat, but underlining of some pointsâ€.

Azimov expressed his opinion about the Lachin region. He said Lachin is one of the occupied regions of Azerbaijan and its release is also important. â€œI donâ€™t see any other specifications. The Lachin road assumes great importance for Azerbaijan. If Armenia acts correctly, this road could have positive impact on the development of relations between the regional countries. Use of this road by both parties is principal and important. On the other hand, the co-chairs are talking about the phase-by-phase solution in their statements. We also have the same opinion, because all territories couldnâ€™t be released on the same day. The process of settlement will be phase-by-phase logically. We are working that the process will not be delayed. We are against the artificial delaying of the processâ€.