March 11, 2006 - 15:46 AMT
Karabakh Conflict: Armenia Reached Limit and Cannot Move Farther
"Taking into account common interests and prospects of development of Armenia, peace in the region, it seems to me that what is on the bargaining table at the Nagorno Karabakh talks and what we agreed to is a limit, after which Armenia cannot move farther," Armenian FM Vartan Oskanian stated in an interview with Armenian Shant TV Company. In his words, Azerbaijan did not even approach that limit, thus much indeed depends on Baku. "Today a balanced settlement option is on the bargaining table, which can be both painful and have large opportunities. Azerbaijan should demonstrate the degree of its readiness to compromise at the talks," Oskanian said. At heart Azeri leadership considers the process should not be missed. However, on the other hand the degree of Azeri maximalism is determined now, the Armenian FM believes. "If Azerbaijan does not concede in a specific issue, this means it remains on maximalist positions," Oskanian added. Armenia has made concessions on its part and this is recognized by all parties, including the OSCE Minsk Group and Azerbaijan's concessions are necessary for advance in the process, the FM added.