Dartmouth Conference: Karabakh Talks Should Be Divided into Two Stages

PanARMENIAN.Net - The authors of the framework agreement on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement stated today in Yerevan that plenipotentiaries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh will conclude agreements on a number of issues within the OSCE Minsk Group framework. "Those who undertake the responsibility will hold the negotiations and sign the agreement," Dartmouth Conference Co-chair Harold Saunders stated. He divided the negotiation process into two stages. The first will include intermediate steps, namely measures for establishment of mutual trust, equal concessions by the parties, synchronized withdrawal of troops, demilitarization of the territories, return of refugees, restoration of communications, economic and cultural cooperation. The second stage will comprise talks on the NKR final status, conclusion of peaceful agreement and establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.



In his words, the formula of the project is as follows "Peace and intermediate status in exchange for territories", which differs from the mutually excluding principles of the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides - "peace in exchange for territories" and "territories in exchange for status." Harold Saunders also noted that the project was submitted to Russian and U.S. Co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, who rated it positive on the whole. "Ambassador Mann specifically noted the measures for establishment of mutual trust between the conflicting parties provided by the framework agreement," Mr. Saunders said. At that he noted that the Dartmouth Conference is not a substitute to the OSCE MG. "The task of the Minsk group is to propose the final decision while our task is to offer the possible ways of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement," he stressed.



To note, the Dartmouth Conference launched activities in mid 1960-ies for the elaboration of common positions of the United States and Russia on the settlement of regional conflict. After the collapse of the USSR the conference is co-chaired by Russia and the U.S.