YUNUSOV: URGE TO SOLVE KARABAKH CONFLICT APPEARED IN OSCE MG ACTIVITIES

PanARMENIAN.Net - Head of the Department of Conflictology of the Institute of Democracy and Peace (Baku) Arif Yunusov has noted the fact of activation of the talks over Karabakh settlement within the past 12 months, reported the 525 Baku newspaper. In his words, it is necessary to recognize that an urge to solve the issue has appeared in the activities of the OSCE MG. «It is felt that the probability of a solution has increased. At present the talks are held within the framework specific principles, formed in Prague. The talks may bring to a positive outcome for the Azeri party. However, the option of settlement, being discussed at present does not fit our national interests,» he stated. In his words, the holding of a referendum to determine the NK status is planned in compliance with this opinion and it is not acceptable to Azerbaijan. «Some time ago different opinions were expressed concerning the liberation of the 5 occupied regions, except for Lachin and Kelbajar, as well as the holding of the referendum to determine the NK status and normalize the relations between the parties. The Azeri MFA has also confirmed the information. However, the society has expressed its negative attitude to that option of conflict settlement. The Azeri party receded after that. Officials state the option of the referendum is left out of the list of issues being discussed. However, this is not true. Foreign diplomat, who have most information over the talks, have stated that the option in question is still subject to discussion,» the Azeri expert added. Having noted that the parties have come to general agreement over settlement of the conflict based on that option, Yunusov stated that the parties now discuss some aspects of the version in question. These aspects mainly refer to the determination fo the format and time of holding the referendum. «As Armenians demand to hold the referendum in the Armenian community, this undoubtedly, does not fit the Azeri party. THe parties still cannot decide, whether to hold the referendum only with participation of Armenians of Karabakh, or to include the Azeri community of Karabakh as well. There is also the option, taking into account the holding of the referendum among Azeri citizens. Taking into account these questions, the talks may be protracted,» he added. Yunusov also noted that «no one can normally respond to the referendum being held only in 15 years and with the condition of liberation of Azeri lands from occupation.» «However, in principle, there is no difference between holding the referendum today and in 15 years, as in 15 years Armenians will have the same position, as now. Some people think that in 15 years Azerbaijan's power will increase and Armenians of Karabakh will prefer being part of Azerbaijan. This is an incorrect opinion. No one guarantees that in 15 years Karabakh Armenians will not wish to be independent or part of Armenia. Thus, I consider that the option does not fit Azerbaijan's interests. In my opinion, considering that Karabakh fate depends on the referendum of Armenians would be incorrect,» A. Yunusov summed up.