Foreign

Foreign

Azerbaijani President: We hope that the co-chairing countries will use their authority and political resources to convince Armenia to withdraw from the occupied territories

17 February 2011 11:57 (UTC +04:00)

The head of state mentioned that OSCE Minsk Group mediating in the settlement of the conflict was established in 1992.
â€œThe ceasefire was declared in 1994. The negotiations have been continuing since then. Unfortunately, no results have been produced. Therefore, first of all we hope the peace talks will result in the solution and we are participating in the process of negotiations. Of course, the settlement must be based on the norms and principles of the international law, there can be no other basis. The sides may have hopes, expectations, desires, but everything must be based on the legal format. In this situation, the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including Nagorno Karabakh is recognized by the whole world, all countries. When we were admitted to the UN our borders were recognized within the existing format. Actually Nagorno Karabakh is located in the middle of our country. The territorial integrity of our country must be restored. The four resolutions of the UN Security Council also confirm this thesis. So do the resolutions and decisions of other international organizations. Therefore, the process will move forward in case of constructive approach of the Armenian side and full admission of the thesis on the impossibility of Nagorno Karabakhâ€™s independence. If unacceptable conditions â€“ issues of separatism, officialization of the independence of Azerbaijanâ€™s Nagorno Karabakh region, are laid before us, the negotiations will not have prospects. The current round, or current stage of the negotiations is based on the Madrid principles, on the updated version of this document. This document provides right of self-government of people living in Nagorno Karabakh and who will return there. Elimination of fact on occupation of Azerbaijani lands, return of Azerbaijani IDPs to these territories, as well as to Nagorno Karabakh, renewal of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, security guarantee are also have been provided in the document. It is the format of current negotiating table. Of course, there are nuances, but the talk bases on these principles. If this is provided, we can speak about progress. If not, then next development of situation in the region may continue on different scenariosâ€. The head state assessed the role of mediators in peace talks in such a way: â€œYou know, we have ambiguous attitude toward this issue. On one hand, I see intention of mediating countries trying to find way out. And we welcome it. On the other hand, 19-years activity of mediators has not achieved any result. Negotiations had different formats, there were different progress in different stages. But each time the negotiations come to a dead-lock or achieved no result because of either tragic events took place in Armenia or Armeniaâ€™s position change. That is why, it would be wrong to assess the role of mediators highly. But on the other hand, I can not deny their role as well. And that is why we hope that the co-chairing countries â€“ these are worldâ€™s leading countries, permanent members of UN Security Council â€“ at any rate, they will use their authority and political resources to convince the aggressive country to withdraw from the occupied territoriesâ€.