SELF-DETERMINATION PRINCIPLE SHOULD BE REALIZED TOGETHER WITH OTHER ON

[Yervant1]

Hypocrite!!!

 

 

SELF-DETERMINATION PRINCIPLE SHOULD BE REALIZED TOGETHER WITH OTHER ONES, BRITISH MINISTER THINKS

 

Mediamax

Sept 18 2012

Armenia

 

Yerevan/Mediamax/. David Lidington, Minister of State at the Britain~Rs

Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said today in Yerevan that "the

principle of self-determination should be applied together with other

ones" in the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

 

Addressing a news conference in Yerevan, he avoided giving a direct

answer to the question whether it's true that when it is within

Great Britain's interests, it is one of the main defenders of

self-determination right as in case of Kosovo and Falklands whereas

when it isn't - it supports another approach, Mediamax reports.

 

He noted that "the self-determination right is stated in the proposals

of the OSCE Minsk Group" adding that "it should be realized together

with other principles within a single package".

 

http://www.mediamax.am/en/news/politics/5868/

[Yervant1]

DAVID LIDINGTON: "SELF-DETERMINATION IS ON OF THE MAIN PRINCIPLES FOR THE OSCE MINSK GROUP TOWARDS THE PEACEFUL SOLUTION OF NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT"

 

APA

Sept 18 2012

Azerbaijan

 

Baku. Victoria Dementieva - APA. "UK wants peace between Azerbaijan

and Armenia to be established within the OSCE Minsk group's peaceful

talks", the UK minister for Europe David Lidington said in Yerevan,

APA reports quoting Armenian press.

 

He mentioned that the peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict

meets the interests of both the region and Europe: "UK is interested

in assistance for restoration of peace and stability in the South

Caucasus. This isn't an ordinary place on the world map this is a part

of Europe for us. We have close relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia;

we have commercial interests that will support peaceful solution of

the conflict".

 

In response to an Armenian journalist -"Why does UK prefer

self-determination principles in the issue concerning Kosovo and

Folkland, but in other cases it shows quite different approach",

the UK minister said: "I consider that this question doesn't refer

to Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Kosovo issue must be solved due to

the UN resolution #1244. Self-determination of the OSCE Minsk group

is on of the main principles for the peaceful solution of Nagorno

Karabakh conflict. Of course, this principle as well as others must

be identified under the control of the OSCE Minsk group's co-chairs".

[Yervant1]

LONDON: THE PRINCIPLE OF PEOPLE'S RIGHT FOR SELF-DETERMINATION IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ONES IN KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT

 

arminfo

Tuesday, September 18, 19:23

 

The Great Britain is for peaceful settlement of Nagornyy Karabakh

conflict within the frames of the OSCE Minsk Group, Minister of State

for Europe of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,

David Lidington, said over the joint press-conference with Armenia's

Foreign Minister, Edward Nalbandyan, in Yerevan, 18 September.

 

He said that peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict is stemming

from the interests of the region and Europe, as it will make it

possible to preserve stability in the South Caucasus which is a part

of Europe.

 

Asked why the Great Britain uses the principle of the peoples' right

for self-determination only if it is stemming from its own interests,

for instance in case of Kosovo and Falkland islands, but ignores it

in other case, the minister replied that the Kosovo issue was revised

according to UN resolution 1244. The self-determination principle is

also one of the most important ones fixed by the OSCE MG co-chairmen

for peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict, and it should

be revised along with other principles fixed by the co-chairmen,

Lidington said.

 

For his part, Nalbandyan said that the right of peoples for

self-determination is stemming from the principles of the documents

adopted by UN, and is one of the most important conditions for

settlement of conflicts. He also added that security factor is also

priority. "The people of Nagornyy Karabakh cannot feel secure in

the country where soldiers fire at the target with an inscription

"Armenian"", - Nalbandyan said and added that the people of Karabakh

can't be secure when Azerbaijani policemen set free such criminals

like Ramil Safarov and turn him into an example to follow.

[Louise Kiffer]

LONDON: THE PRINCIPLE OF PEOPLE'S RIGHT FOR SELF-DETERMINATION IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ONES IN KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT

 

arminfo

Tuesday, September 18, 19:23

 

The Great Britain is for peaceful settlement of Nagornyy Karabakh

conflict within the frames of the OSCE Minsk Group, Minister of State

for Europe of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,

David Lidington, said over the joint press-conference with Armenia's

Foreign Minister, Edward Nalbandyan, in Yerevan, 18 September.

 

He said that peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict is stemming

from the interests of the region and Europe, as it will make it

possible to preserve stability in the South Caucasus which is a part

of Europe.

 

Asked why the Great Britain uses the principle of the peoples' right

for self-determination only if it is stemming from its own interests,

for instance in case of Kosovo and Falkland islands, but ignores it

in other case, the minister replied that the Kosovo issue was revised

according to UN resolution 1244. The self-determination principle is

also one of the most important ones fixed by the OSCE MG co-chairmen

for peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict, and it should

be revised along with other principles fixed by the co-chairmen,

Lidington said.

 

For his part, Nalbandyan said that the right of peoples for

self-determination is stemming from the principles of the documents

adopted by UN, and is one of the most important conditions for

settlement of conflicts. He also added that security factor is also

priority. "The people of Nagornyy Karabakh cannot feel secure in

the country where soldiers fire at the target with an inscription

"Armenian"", - Nalbandyan said and added that the people of Karabakh

can't be secure when Azerbaijani policemen set free such criminals

like Ramil Safarov and turn him into an example to follow.

[Louise Kiffer]

LONDON: THE PRINCIPLE OF PEOPLE'S RIGHT FOR SELF-DETERMINATION IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ONES IN KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT

 

arminfo

Tuesday, September 18, 19:23

 

The Great Britain is for peaceful settlement of Nagornyy Karabakh

conflict within the frames of the OSCE Minsk Group, Minister of State

for Europe of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,

David Lidington, said over the joint press-conference with Armenia's

Foreign Minister, Edward Nalbandyan, in Yerevan, 18 September.

 

He said that peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict is stemming

from the interests of the region and Europe, as it will make it

possible to preserve stability in the South Caucasus which is a part

of Europe.

 

Asked why the Great Britain uses the principle of the peoples' right

for self-determination only if it is stemming from its own interests,

for instance in case of Kosovo and Falkland islands, but ignores it

in other case, the minister replied that the Kosovo issue was revised

according to UN resolution 1244. The self-determination principle is

also one of the most important ones fixed by the OSCE MG co-chairmen

for peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict, and it should

be revised along with other principles fixed by the co-chairmen,

Lidington said.

 

For his part, Nalbandyan said that the right of peoples for

self-determination is stemming from the principles of the documents

adopted by UN, and is one of the most important conditions for

settlement of conflicts. He also added that security factor is also

priority. "The people of Nagornyy Karabakh cannot feel secure in

the country where soldiers fire at the target with an inscription

"Armenian"", - Nalbandyan said and added that the people of Karabakh

can't be secure when Azerbaijani policemen set free such criminals

like Ramil Safarov and turn him into an example to follow.

- - - - - - - - -

 

In anyway, It is impossible that Karabagh returns to Azerbaijan, as there is such a hate in the azéri population, there will be murders of Armenians all the time.

Who is interested in "peace", England ? USA ? other countries ? There will never be peace, Karabagh must be FREE AND INDEPENDENT !

Louise

[Yervant1]

HON. REV. FRED NILE: "I GIVE MY FIRM SUPPORT TO THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION FOR THE REPUBLIC OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH"

 

http://times.am/?l=en&p=14931

 

As the Armenian National Committee of Australia wrote on its official

Facebook page the Hon. Rev. Fred Nile MLC continues his support for

the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.

 

In a statement last night, Rev. Nile said "I give my firm support to

the right to self-determination for the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh

and call upon all nations to uphold this basic human right. Our

actions today can prevent another genocide of Armenians."

 

14.11.12, 21:09

[Yervant1]

URUGUAY READY TO BACK ARTSAKH - OFFICIAL

 

November 14, 2012 - 19:19 AMT

 

PanARMENIAN.Net - Right of nations to self-determination is an

accepted principle in Uruguay, President of Uruguay's House of

Representatives said.

 

As Jorge Orrico noted at a meeting between Uruguayan and Artsakh MPs,

Uruguay has always been a supporter of freedom.

 

"Though our country holds no official position on the issue, we accept

the reality," the official said, adding that his country stands ready

to back Nagorno Karabakh Republic, despite its small size.

 

"We advocate peaceful settlement of conflicts and stand ready to

assist in the process," he said.

 

Upon completion of the meeting, Speaker of NKR National Assembly

Ashot Ghulyan noted that the day symbolizes a new process that will

be continued, Karabakh-open.info reported.

[Yervant1]

URUGUAY WILL SPARE NO EFFORT TO PUSH THROUGH THE RIGHT OF NATIONS' SELF-DETERMINATION. JORGE ORRICO

 

19:22, 15 November, 2012

 

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Foreign Minister Edward

Nalbandian had a meeting with delegation of Uruguay House of

Representatives headed by its Chairman Jorge Orrico on November

15. As Armenpress was informed from Armenian MFA, after greeting

the guests Minister Nalbandian has expressed satisfaction over the

fact that though Armenia and Uruguay are separated by thousands of

miles, they are united by their strong friendship and commitment to

universal values.

 

"Armenian nation has the warmest feelings to Uruguay, which first

recognized Armenian Genocide in 1965. And today You are one of the

first foreign high rank figures to visit Artsakh. We especially

evaluate your steps which deserves the highest valuation" Armenian

Foreign Minister stated.

 

President of Uruguay House of Representatives expressed gratitude

for warm reception and stressed that Uruguay really appreciated the

friendly ties with Armenia. He noted "Armenian community in Uruguay

has made an important investment in the development of our country

and is of crucial importance for us".

 

"We are a small country and protect the principals of international

right. Uruguay will spare no effort to keep international peace and

push through the right of nations' self-determination" Jorge Orrico

underlined.

 

Interlocutors stressed the importance of not only bilateral political

and cultural cooperation, but also the establishment of economic

cooperation. Armenian Prime Minister highlighted that it was important

to make some efforts to discover areas of mutual economic interest.

 

Sides have considered the cooperation in banking, information

technology, goldsmithery, tourism and other sectors to be promising.

[Yervant1]

Uruguay not going to apologize for sending delegation to Artsakh

 

November 18, 2012 - 18:28 AMT

 

 

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay has

replied to Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry's `note of protest' regarding

the visit of the delegation headed by President of Uruguayan House of

Representatives, Mr. Jorge Orrico, to the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh)

Republic, Trend news agency reported.

`Uruguay's international activity is based on strong and traditional

principles and values such as respect for states' sovereignty,

territorial integrity, people's right to self-determination,

non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful resolution of conflicts

and international law, as well as other fundamental principles of the

UN, of which Uruguay is a founding member,' the statement said.

It also said that the maintenance of international peace and security

is one of the major principles of the UN Charter strongly supported by

Uruguay.

"Uruguay has deep and traditional ties with the Republic of Armenia

and cordial and constructive friendship with the Republic of

Azerbaijan. Therefore, the biggest desire of Uruguay's government can

be nothing but to make efforts to solve the conflict between its two

friendly states only through dialogue, understanding and other

peaceful ways that will ensure coexistence and cooperation of the

relevant nations and governments, this will of course be reflected in

the future prosperity and welfare of the entire region. Uruguay's

behavior or position must by no means be interpreted outside this

framework, other goals or intentions are out of the question," the

statement said.

During a visit to Artsakh, Mr. Orrico emphasized that the right of

nations to self-determination is an accepted principle in Uruguay.

`Though our country holds no official position on the issue, we accept

the reality,' the official said, adding that his country stands ready

to back Nagorno Karabakh Republic, despite its small size.

`We advocate peaceful settlement of conflicts and stand ready to

assist in the process,' he said.

[Yervant1]

I'm sure a protest note is being prepared as we read this by you know who!

 

 

A RECEPTION HAS BEEN GIVEN IN HONOR OF THE DELEGATION OF ARTSAKH IN THE CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY 15:12, 21 November, 2012 YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. The delegation headed by the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Ashot Ghulyan visited the capital of California Sacramento on November 20. Presently the delegation is on a business trip to the United States of America for the participation in "Telethon 2012" of the "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund. The Press Service of the National Assembly of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic informed "Armenpress" that in the first part of the day the delegation partook in the special reception in honor of the delegation of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the California State Assembly, which was initiated by member of the Assembly Khacho Achajian and Senator Kevin de Leon. In his speech the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Ashot Ghulyan introduced the recent developments in Artsakh and highly appreciated the political and economical reforms of the country. In this respect the Chairman of the National Assembly emphasized the significance of participation in these programs of our compatriots from the United States of America and California in particular. He called on the Armenian community to continue supporting Artsakh in the professional and consultative spheres as well. The Californian parliamentarians greeted the delegation and reaffirmed their willingness to focus on the issues regarding Artsakh. They said that they are hopeful that the practical steps will encourage the close collaboration. In the second part of the day the delegation of Artsakh visited Berkeley city. A panel discussion in the Law School of the University of Berkeley was dedicated to the issue of observation of the election in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. Experts, who participated in the elections as international watchers have made reports during the conference. The participants introduced a detailed examination of the elections and compared it with various procedures. The experts highly appreciated the election system of the Nognro Karabakh Republic and qualified the elections as democratic, free and transparent. Afterwards the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Ashot Ghulyan answered the questions of the participants of the aforementioned event.

[Yervant1]

California is likely to recognize NKR independence

http://armenpress.am/static/news/b/2012/11/700306.jpg17:35, 22 November, 2012

 

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS: The California State Senate in Sacramento held the first ever reception for a delegation from the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic headed by NKR National Assembly Speaker Ashot Ghulyan, Armenpress reports referring to the Public Radio.

The event was organized by California Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian and Member of the State Senate Kevin De León. In attendance were also representatives of the Berkley, San Francisco, Davis and California Universities, heads of international trade agencies, members of the local Armenian community.

The NKR Speaker briefed the attendees on the economic situation of Artsakh, its foreign policy agenda and the existing problems. Ashot Ghulyan spoke about the current state of settlement of the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict, which does not move forward because of Azerbaijan’s non-constructive posture.

The Speaker urged the officials of the country, which cherishes human rights and democratic values, to support the Caucasian countries that share the same values.

Senator Kevin De León voiced hope that through active work it would be possible to reach recognition of the right of NKR people to self-determination.

“There is a great likelihood that the California State Senate will recognize the independence of NKR. We’ll probably visit Artsakh to see and learn about the country. This will take place in the coming year within the framework of a visit to Armenia,” he said.

Associate Professor at San Francisco University Richard Callahan, who observed the presidential elections in Artsakh, said “the electoral processes in Nagorno-Karabakh were organized in compliance with international standards.”

“I was impressed by the transparency of the electoral process. Many international observers and journalists were freely following the elections. I’m glad I had a chance to see the democratic path that country has chosen,” the Professor said.

Edited November 22, 2012 by Yervant1

[Yervant1]

I have this feeling that the decision has been made for the recognition of Artsahk by international countries. This could be the reason for aliyevs tantrums.

[Yervant1]

Muchas Gracias, Uruguay

 

http://www.thearmenianobserver.com/?p=1591

Posted on December 14, 2012

 

By Prof. Osheen Keshishian

 

 

More and more international statesmen and various elected officials of

different countries have been visiting Artsakh-Nagorno Karabakh,

giving more significance and meaning to its existence. Some of them

are Americans, French, Canadians, or other nationalities. Azerbaijan

immediately reacts to these encounters and many times releases

statements criticizing the visitors and announcing that they will not

be permitted to go to Azerbaijan.

 

The latest was the visit of Jorge Orrico, the speaker of the House of

Representatives of Uruguay, accompanied by Uruguayan officials like

Ruben Martinez Huelmo, member of the Uruguayan Parliament Foreign

Relations committee and others.

 

During their visit their visit they met with President Bako Sahakyan

and the Speaker of the House Ashot ghulyan and others on November 13,

2012. They also went to Shushi and other locations to familiarize

themselves with the country. President Bako Sahakyan had visited

Uruguay a few years ago.

 

The significance of this visit is that it is the first time that such

a high level government officials met with Karabakh officials. During

a press conference, Huelmo `did not exclude that his country may

recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.' At the National Assembly of

NKR, Orrico mentioned that `every nation has the right to

self-determination and Uruguay would do everything in that direction.'

Later on he mentioned that it is impossible to deny Karabakh's

independence, and that `we are ready to assist in the peaceful

resolution of all disputes and conflicts.'

 

Orrico mentioned several times that Armenia is a more ancient country

than Uruguay with a beautiful culture and a supporter of human rights.

 

Uruguay was the first country to recognize the Armenian Genocide in

1965. In fact, Uruguay also was one of the very first countries to

develop diplomatic relations with independent Armenia in 1992. Uruguay

has always been on the forefront when issues of independence and peace

come up. It is also interesting that Orrico, during his speech in the

NKR Parliament, said: `Uruguay was one of the elven countries which in

1920 voted in favor of Armenia's acceptance into the Leave of

Nations.'

 

And as usual, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry sent a `protest letter'

to Uruguay creating scare tactics. Uruguay's answer was very simple;

`Uruguay's international activities are based on strong, and

traditional principles, and values and other fundamental principles of

the UN, of which Uruguay is a founding member.'

 

Of course, these are small steps and they are taken slowly. We do

expect international relations established with the Karabakh

government overnight. There are many reasons why it would take a long

time, despite the fact that in some countries, like Australia,

parliament members are constantly requesting the acknowledgement of

Karabakh's independence.

 

Uruguay's action is definitely in the right direction and it does not

need to explained, because its history indicates that many, many times

it has taken the positive and right direction. We should be happy and

content that Uruguay took such a decisive and bold step, and will

continued to do so in many spheres, starting with culture and sports.

Already there are plans for other delegations to visit Artsakh - to

enjoy the nature, to meet with the people and then take decisions.

Armenian should be able work with others to follow Uruguay's right

path.

 

All we can say to Uruguay, muchas gracias for the solidarity between

Karabakh and Uruguay.

[Yervant1]

Armenian president calls for international recognition of Karabakh, slams Azerbaijan, Turkey

 

http://armenianow.com/sites/default/files/img/imagecache/600x400/serzh-sargsyan_18.jpg

Photo: www.president.am

 

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan called for an international recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence in a speech delivered on Tuesday in which he also strongly criticized Azerbaijan and Turkey over their “anti-Armenian” policies.

 

“The main aim of our foreign policy is to finally formalize our victory in the aggressive war that was unleashed against Artsakh (Karabakh) by Azerbaijan… The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic must be recognized by the international community as there is no logical explanation why the nation which implemented the right of self-determination within the framework of the law and defended itself in unequal struggle must be part of Azerbaijan. Why must the faith of that nation be the victim of once made illegal decision of Stalin?” said Sargsyan during an enlarged session of the leaderships of the legislative, executive and judicial authorities of Armenia held at the Ministry of Defense.

 

The head of the Armenian state continued that Azerbaijan’s “fascist” policies full of hatred towards Armenians remain the main threat to Armenian security.

 

“In a few days we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the [start of the] Karabakh movement. But it is just the beginning of it. Karabakh people have never put up with the illegalities committed by Stalin, they never considered themselves to be Azerbaijani citizens and never put up with the decision of being part of Azerbaijan,” the Armenian president emphasized.

 

The Armenian leader went on to criticize Turkey for “unconditionally supporting Baku’s anti-Armenian policy” and trying to “clinch unilateral concessions from Armenia.” He again accused Ankara of walking away from the 2009 Turkish-Armenian agreements to normalize bilateral ties.

 

Sargsyan also stressed that Turkey must officially recognize the 1915 massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide. “I think that without Turkey’s sincere repentance and the elimination of consequences of the Genocide Armenia’s secure existence in the region will remain endangered,” he underscored.

[Yervant1]

Nagorno-Karabakh: Old conflict is neither gone nor forgotten

 

Los Angeles Times

January 16, 2013

 

By Carol J. Williams (carol.williams@latimes.com)

 

Sporadic sniper fire over sandbagged trenches that separate Armenians

and Azerbaijanis across the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh has

been a routine feature of daily life throughout the 19 years that the

two sides have grudgingly observed a cease-fire.

 

But the harassing potshots and provocative power plays have taken on a

more ominous feel in recent weeks as pressure mounts on both sides of

the `frozen conflict' for uncompromised victory in one of the world's

most bitter armed standoffs.

 

It was 25 years ago next month that seething hatred boiled over in

Azerbaijan's second-largest city, Sumgait, and majority Azeri

nationalists slaughtered 31 Armenians in an outpouring of rage against

their dominance in remote and strategically insignificant

Nagorno-Karabakh.

 

The approaching anniversary, a coinciding presidential election in

Armenia and the resettling of Armenian refugees from Syria in the

disputed territory have stoked simmering resentment and spurred

concern that another deadly clash may be on the horizon.

 

A 1991-94 war took an estimated 30,000 lives and displaced more than a

million before the cease-fire was arranged. The United States, Russia

and France agreed to oversee negotiations on a permanent resolution.

 

The problem, those familiar with the obscure but virulently emotional

conflict explain, is that none of the parties is satisfied with the

status quo of international recognition that the enclave is

Azerbaijani territory but under Armenian control. Nor will either side

make even symbolic concessions to break the nearly two-decade impasse.

 

A look at the map of the Caucasus region provides insight into the

manipulations of Josef V. Stalin that nourished the roots of the

conflict. Although Armenians had managed to stave off aggressive

forays by the Persian, Ottoman and Russian empires for the better part

of two millennia, their autonomous enclave was made part of the

Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic after the Bolsheviks consolidated

control over the region in the early 1920s. Stalin served as commissar

of nationalities before ascending to the Kremlin, and he executed a

divide-and-conquer strategy to keep nationalism in check. The move

also was meant as a gesture to Turkey, awarding the enclave to its

Azeri allies instead of the Armenian targets of the 1915 genocide.

 

Ethnic resentment percolated under the lid of Communist repression

until the 1980s, when reform-minded Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev

opened Pandora's box with his campaigns for perestroika and glasnost

that encouraged confrontation of society's ills, not sweeping them

under the carpet.

 

Isolated, impoverished and far from the oil bonanza transforming

eastern Azerbaijan, one might wonder why Nagorno-Karabakh is so

fiercely coveted by either side.

 

`It's a fantastically important trade route, not only for energy but

for shipping and other issues,' Lawrence Sheets, the International

Crisis Group's director for the South Caucasus, said of the strategic

territory where Europe and Asia meet. `Azerbaijan and Armenia have

been in a state of war for more than 20 years. There's a cease-fire,

but if the conflict were to re-erupt on a larger scale, you're talking

about possibly a regional war that could drag in very important

regional powers.'

 

U.S. oil companies have significant investments in Azerbaijan, as well

as important emotional ties to Armenia, with as many Armenians living

in the United States as in the ancestral homeland. Russia also needs

peace to conduct its shipping and naval operations in the Caspian and

Black Seas that flank the region. The expanding economic ties between

Baku, the Azerbaijani capital, and Iran draw another influential iron

into the fire. And Turkey, finally willing to talk of restoring ties

with Armenia after a nearly century-long hiatus, insists that the

Armenians give up the disputed enclave as a precondition.

 

While sober-minded observers see nothing to be gained by either

Armenia or Azerbaijan from a rekindling of the conflict, that danger

persists in the absence of a negotiated end to a dispute that has

often bordered on the hysterical.

 

On Monday, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Elman Abdullayev

accused Armenia of `an act of provocation' in settling Armenian

refugees from the Syrian civil war in Nagorno-Karabakh in an attempt

to `change the demographic situation in the region.'

 

Robert Avetisyan, permanent representative of Nagorno-Karabakh at the

enclave's diplomatic mission in Washington, denounced the claim as

Azerbaijan's attempt to politicize a humanitarian rescue of those

fleeing bombardment of Syria's main city, Aleppo, home to about 80,000

ethnic Armenians. Although thousands have turned to Armenia for aid,

only about 30 families have been settled in Nagorno-Karabakh,

Avetisyan said.

 

Added to the recent pressure rising in the enclave is a newly rebuilt

airport near the capital, Stepanakert, that Avetisyan said would be

put into operation soon, whether Azerbaijan backs down or not from

threats to deny use of Azerbaijani airspace.

 

Despite the mutually disadvantageous standoffs and steady gusher of

accusations, the stunted arbitration of the Organization for Security

and Cooperation in Europe is about all that stands between the rivals

and reignited fighting, said Olga Oliker, associate director of Rand

Corp.'s International Security and Defense Policy Center.

 

`Nobody likes the status quo' of Armenian occupation of territory

recognized as Azerbaijani, Oliker said. `But nobody can see any way to

resolve it.'

 

 

A foreign correspondent for 25 years, Carol J. Williams traveled to

and reported from more than 80 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle

East and Latin America.

[Yervant1]

US CONGRESSMAN: PROCESS OF INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC GATHERING PACE

 

ARMINFO

Thursday, March 14, 12:31

 

The 25th Anniversary of the Karabakh Movement marked in the USA,

Hay Dat Committee Office in Washington reported

 

Ed Royce, U.S. Representative, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign

Affairs, Narine Aghabalyan, NKR Minister for Youth and Culture, Aram

Hamparian, Head of the Washington office of Hay Dat, Michael Grimm,

Republican Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus, and congressmen Frank

Pallone and Adam Schiff attended the event. Michael Grimm delivered

a speech at the event saying that the process of international

recognition of Nagorno Karabakh is gathering pace and it is the only

right decision to resolve the conflict of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

 

For his part, Frank Pallone said that the other party to the conflict

insists that the right to self-determination cannot be prior in the

settlement process, while Nagorno Karabakh became independent long ago,

and it is just necessary to recognize that fact.

 

Ed Royce said, in turn, that it is time for peace but it requires

the will of both the parties.