Azerbaijan unwilling to show realistic approach to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Azerbaijan unwilling to show realistic approach to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
November 11, 2010 13:10
The international mediators’ efforts in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process are first of all aimed at maintaining the peace process and preserving the settlement format, Konstantin Zatulin, Vice-Chairman of the Committee for CIS and ties with Russian Nationals, RF State Duma, Director of the CIS Institute, told NEWS.am.
“Resumed sniping along the line of contact is a gross violation of the status quo. The side committing the violations, that is, Azerbaijan, is a most serious problem and threat to regional peace,” Zatulin said. He expressed concern over the growing tension during the past few months despite the OSCE Minsk Group’s efforts. Russia is against a new war in the region, he said. A final settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem must be reached on the basis of the principle of Nagorno-Karabakh people’s right to self-determination along with the return of territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh. “As far as I am concerned Azerbaijan is now unwilling to show a realistic approach to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. This may be the reason why the Armenian society will not accept any talks about any territorial concessions - even outside Nagorno-Karabakh. I think if an agreement could be reached, the co-chair countries would feel the need for showing political will, the issue could be resolved in some time,” Zatulin said.
He stressed that a military threat is in the air now. “We all know about the result very well. I would not advise anyone to tempt fate, as the ones unleashing wars are not the ones overbalancing. No one has yet convinced me that arms – even the most up-to-date – will enable Azerbaijan to resolve this problem as it wants to for ever,” Zatulin said. Any new hostilities will challenge any economic development prospects.
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