International Support to Azerbaijan Stance in Karabakh Issue Increased, Baku Sure

PanARMENIAN.Net - "In 2005 international community support of Azerbaijan's stance in settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict has shown itself," stated head of the Foreign Relations Section of the Executive Staff of the Azeri President Novruz Mamedov. "Thus, one can say that the process of isolation of the Armenian party showed itself openly. These processes took place at all stages, in all directions. I want to specially accentuate that in 2005 a number of international organizations, including Islamic Conference Organization, Economic Cooperation Organization fully supported Azerbaijan's position. A CE resolution names the regime in Nagorno Karabakh as a separatist one, recognizing the fact of occupation of Azeri territories by the Armed forces of Armenia and ethnic cleansing on the occupied territories. This should be viewed as a notable achievement. These influential international organizations in their decision continue their support of Azerbaijan's stance," he stated. In Mamedov's words, last year the question of the situation around NK conflict was submitted for consideration by the UN. Though the outcomes of the debate are still open, "the discussion of the Karabakh issue is very important from the point of view of shaping the international opinion." As a result, "the OSCE, EU and other countries' stance shows trends towards supporting Azerbaijan's position." "As compared with previous years, we can see the process becoming more active and it is the logical outcome of systematic efforts of Azeri leaders," he added.



Here I would like to remark that on the whole, at least three key factors are necessary to solve the conflict. Firstly, political will of Azerbaijan concerning settlement of the conflict. This component is always present and has become stronger recently. Secondly, transition period, the reshaping the international community's stand on settlement of the conflict from interest to a demand. It is between these two concepts at present. The international community's interest is rather high and it gradually transforms into pressure upon Armenian leaders on one hand and a demand on the other one. Thirdly, time has come for Armenian leaders to step back from old claims, assess the processes in the world and the region more realistically and take a more constructive stand. All these factors are extremely important. The first one was available and is available in a positive respect. The second is taking form in favor of Azerbaijan. I suppose that affected by the previous two the third will be formed sooner or later," Mamedov said.



"Arrival of various missions to Azerbaijan, organization of meetings between presidents and FMs, visits of Minsk Group co-chairs to the region and a number of other processes have intensified the process. Thus I believe everyone views the year 2006 with hope for peaceful settlement of the conflict," Mamedov added, reported Trend agency.