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American co-chair of OSCE Robert Bradtke: It will be impossible to deploy peacekeeping forces in Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone immediately, we see none of the sides wants that

15 September 2010 08:53 (UTC +04:00)

Baku â€“ APA. â€œWhen we were preparing a program to advance the Karabakh peace talks, we decided to do much. To cross the line of contact was one of these plans,â€ American co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group Robert Bradtke said in his interview to the Azerbaijani service of BBC radio, APA reports. The co-chair said crossing the line of contact of Azerbaijani and Armenian troops had several reasons.
â€œWe wanted to do it because of several reasons. First of all we wanted to underline that the line of contact is not a border separating the neighboring nations. We wanted to express our hope that one day the peoples of both sides will be able to cross the line of contact. Our second aim was to check the reports about the violation of the ceasefire. Another goal of crossing the line of contact was to underline the necessity of respecting the ceasefire. It was a very interesting mission. I would like to thank the OSCEâ€™s small mission that is monitoring here permanently. They are facing some safety risks here. During our visit we received support both from OSCE and the military structures of the two sides,â€ he said.

The co-chair said they had held talks on both sides of the line of contact.
â€œThese were very interesting talks, as both sides gave contradicting reports about the situation, especially concerning the responsibility for the violation of ceasefire. I understood that much should be done to reach understanding between the two sides in order to advance the process of negotiations,â€ he said.

Robert Bradtke said civilians did not live on the line of contact.
â€œThis is the territory, where civilians do not live. This is a road and we reached its end we saw trenches. Trees and bushes around have been cut down, so that they do not hinder the vision from both sides. We were following the soldiers detecting mines. We witnessed again that there is a need to advance the peace process. The line of contact should not remain a permanent fence restricting the free movement of the people of the region. We witnessed the seriousness of the situation. I do not know whether our mission will change anything or not. But it was a message to all the sides. The line of contact is not permanent, but the ceasefire must be observed,â€ he said.

The co-chair said there were some 40 meters between the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops in some places of the contact line. â€œThe ceasefire is violated due to these reasons mostly, but recent events caused great concern. Not only shootings took place in the contact line recently, but soldiers also attempted to cross he contact line. We told both sides that it is very dangerous situation and such cases should be prevented. The strengthening of ceasefire was in the focus of attention during our talks in Baku, in Yerevan and in Khankendi. I will be honest if I say that it will be impossible to deploy peacekeeping forces here immediately. We see none of the sides wants thatâ€.

Robert Bradtke said the OSCE Minsk Group welcomed Azerbaijanâ€™s withdrawal of the draft resolution from the UN General Assembly. â€œWe didnâ€™t believe that this resolution will contribute to the peace process. It would distract attention from the direct negotiations with all sides. UN is an authoritative organization, but this resolution wouldnâ€™t return the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. The quickest way of the solution to the conflict is direct negotiations within the Minsk Group framework. We crossed the contact line as the first stepâ€.

The diplomat said he didnâ€™t see fundamental differences between the statements of the foreign ministers and the presidents in the European capitals and other cities. The co-chair said the OSCE fact-finding mission would be very important visit to the region. â€œIt will be very important visit. You know the last OSCE fact-finding mission was five years ago. Early this year we decided that it needed to establish such mission again. It is important for the co-chairs too. I take this office less than a year. The Russian co-chair is also new. These territories can not remain so. One day the refugees will return home. The separating lines should be removed. We told the sides that we would like to see UNHCR and UNDP representatives to join us during the visit to these territories because these agencies will work in these territories one day. It means that we are looking forward to change current status of these territoriesâ€.

The US co-chair called the OSCE summit in Kazakhstan in December as an important event. â€œI think this summit will be very important event. Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents will join the European and North American leaders at this summit. Undoubtedly, differences between the positions of the parties to the conflict will be in the focus of attention. The presidents will inform the international community about their plans how to develop the process. I think it will be possible to reach some progress there. During our last visit we informed the sides about the spheres where they can reach an agreement. We will discuss these issues in New York once more. We are expecting for constructive steps from the sides to move the peace processâ€.