Kazimirov: Karabakh's Participation in Talks Necessary
The exclusion of the Nagorno Karabakh delegation from the negotiation process started immediately after the OSCE summit in Budapest in December 1994, Russian Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group for the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement in 1992-1996 Vladimir Kazimirovtold PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. In his words, the exclusion of NKR was initiated by Azerbaijan.
"Official Baku said that if Karabakh is engaged in the talks, it should be presented by the Azeri community headed by Nizami Bahmanov as well. This offer was rejected both by the Armenian side and the mediators. Then Baku insisted on the exclusion of the Armenian delegation of Karabakh. Nevertheless I consider that the participation of the NKR representatives is essential," Kazimirov underlined.
As for the current stage of negotiations, Vladimir Kazimirov stated that the responsibility should be shared by the Foreign Ministers and Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan. In his opinion, NGOs should also engage in the process.
"Official Baku said that if Karabakh is engaged in the talks, it should be presented by the Azeri community headed by Nizami Bahmanov as well. This offer was rejected both by the Armenian side and the mediators. Then Baku insisted on the exclusion of the Armenian delegation of Karabakh. Nevertheless I consider that the participation of the NKR representatives is essential," Kazimirov underlined.
As for the current stage of negotiations, Vladimir Kazimirov stated that the responsibility should be shared by the Foreign Ministers and Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan. In his opinion, NGOs should also engage in the process.
