ICG To Present 20 Ways To Solve Karabakh Issue

PanARMENIAN.Net - In the near future the International Crisis Group (ICG) will make public a new report, exclusively devoted to the talks over settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. As Group representative Sabine Freizer stated in Yerevan, the report will reflect 20 ways of settlement of the NK conflict. In her words, they propose holding a referendum only among Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh and Azeri refuges, who are return to the region by the time. "When we speak of a referendum, we have to make sure Baku will recognize its outcomes. If there is no confidence in it, the situation with the referendum in 1993 will repeat," she remarked. In Freizer's words, "There is a situation when Armenian and Azeri leaders have to out-distance their societies, as peoples are not ready to compromise. The conflict may be settled when work is doe to change public opinion. Today both societies are even more intolerant and full with hatred than they were a few years ago. This is more true of the Azeri society, as it considers itself a victim," she noted.



In Freizer's words, the probability of resumption of hostilities is thus higher today than a few years ago. "It is evident also because the defense budget of Azerbaijan will exceed 60% of Armenia's total budget in 2006. This is all in spite of the activated negotiation process and optimistic statements by the parties and co-chairs." She also emphasized that a settlement may be reached if the question of NK status is delayed, while all other "secondary" issues are solved at the current stage or "a referendum is held." Freizer considers as optimistic the fact that the parties have understood that "the package settlement option is impossible and some territories have to be returned, while international peacekeeping forces should be situated there to secure NK." "If this is the case, the Karabakh people will get interim independence status," she stated. According to Freizer's information, citizens of Armenia make 50% of NK Armed Forces and in spite of NK sustainable development 60% of its economy depends on Armenia, reported IA Regnum.