Dispute over stepwise or package settlement lost initial importance, Kazimirov says

PanARMENIAN.Net - "The formula 'territories in exchange for status' is unbalanced. It looks like despotism of the winner and test of last ounce of strength," the Russian diplomat said.



"The formula 'territories in exchange for status' is unbalanced. It looks like despotism of the winner and test of last ounce of strength. However, it can't be equaled to Azeri calls to revenge," said Vladimir Kazimirov, the Russian mediator on Nagorno Karabakh in 1992-1996.



This formula, unlike bellicose statements, refers to the past but not future war. The victims can't be brought back to life while revenge would inflict heavy casualty, according to him.



"A humble "territories for security" formula would maintain the balance of vital NK interests and adjacent Azeri regions. It would be more just and all parties to conflict would benefit. Its core is universal security and adherence to commitments," the Russian diplomat said.



Amb. Kazimirov emphasized that the dispute over stepwise or package settlement has lost its initial importance. "The mediators have chosen a mixed variant. However, the package doesn't provide for a final status of Nagorno Karabakh but sets the order of status determination via expression of will. Armenia presumes it can leave 5 regions until final determination of NK status. The tension can be relieved by an agreement on a temporary status. But official Baku - unlike Azeri political scientists - says it makes no sense. Meanwhile, a temporary status is inevitable. To say more, it already exists de facto," Vladimir Kazimirov wrote in an article "Is there a wayout of Karabakh deadlock?" published by Russia in Global Politics magazine.