MG’s proposal not a dream come true, yet based on compromises: official

PanARMENIAN.Net - The agenda of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Yerevan envisages discussions on a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation and, of course, the Nagorno Karabakh peace process, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister said Thursday, April 21.

According to Shavarsh Kocharyan, Armenia’s position on Karabakh negotiations remains unchanged.

“Of course, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs’ proposal was not what the Armenian side dreamed of, but it is based on compromises,” Kocharyan added.

“The idea of “a delayed referendum” is currently circulated. A referendum was actually held, and the Nagorno Karabakh people, in full conformity with international law and the Soviet Constitution, clearly expressed their will. What is the point of a delayed referendum? According to the mediators, it aims to enable the Azerbaijani authorities to save their face and explain this necessity to their people.”

In July 2009, the three leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries released a statement urging Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan to "resolve the few differences remaining between them and finalize their arrangement on these Basic Principles."

According to the statement, the Basic Principles for the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is based on the Helsinki Final Act (1975) principles of Non-Use of Force, Territorial Integrity, and the Equal Rights and Self-Determination of Peoples.

The above-mentioned document also revealed the six elements for the settlement: return of the territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijani control; an interim status for Nagorno Karabakh providing guarantees for security and self-governance; a corridor linking Armenia to Nagorno Karabakh; future determination of the final legal status of Nagorno Karabakh through a legally binding expression of will; the right of all internally displaced persons and refugees to return to their former places of residence; and international security guarantees that would include a peacekeeping operation.