HistoryofTruth.com - Armenian Allegations

The issue of resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was one of the most important topics in the last G-8 summit. In the joint declaration that Presidents of OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries, (USA; Russia and France) stated that basic principles towards resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh problem is presented to Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents. They stated that these principles are based upon the Madrid principles which were announced on 29 November 2007 in Madrid. Joint declaration called Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders to solve remaining disagreements and to reach an agreement over basic principles towards solution. Presidents of US, Russia and France stated that they will support Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents towards an agreement over basic principles.

Thus, USA, France and Russia adresses Madrid principles towards resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Although official Baku has been proposing Prag principles which is based on withdrawal of Armenian forces from occupied regions and determination of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh afterwards.

Did not happen.

If we should look to the statements of the Presidents and OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, we can conclude that we are close to the resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. On the other hand, clauses of disagreement are more serious than the clauses that Azerbaijani and Armenian parties reached agreement on. Armenians were always fine about withdrawal from 5 regions. They accept that today too, but the things they want in return are not acceptable.

French co-chair Bernard Fassier stated that they are expecting progress in two issues in the Moscow meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents. French diplomat stated that signment of the agreement between parties depends on the agreement over these clauses. The issues mentioned above is the corridor connecting Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia, and the referendum for determination of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Establishment of a corridor between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh is not big deal. A few days ago Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that Armenians may withdraw from Lachin and Kelbajar within 5 years after peace agreement is signed. Meantime a highway across Lachin could be built that Armenians may give up demands for establishment of Lachin corridor.

On the other hand, determination of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh is not easy. Signing such an agreement would mean recognition of the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh officially. Because even if all Azerbaijani refugees return to Nagorno-Karabakh, population advantage will still be on Armenian side. Therefore, a referendum towards determination of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh is not favourable for Azerbaijan. Ilham Aliyev rejects the clause about referendum and says, “Determination of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh may take 10 years, or maybe 100 years. Maybe never.”

But Yerevan insists on the method of referendum for determination of Karabakh’s status.

Therefore realization of signing of a peace agreement is skeptical. Parties should reach on an agreement about the clause of referendum. For this to happen, one of the parties should step back. But who will make a step back, Azerbaijan or Armenia?