AZERBAIJAN: ROADS WILL BE OPENED IF ARMENIA ENDS OCCUPATION

Tuesday, 08 September 2009 08:45

Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan stated that isolation against Armenia will be removed if Armenia returns the control of the surrounding regions around Nagorno-Karabakh.

Speaking to Russian press, spokesman to Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Elhan Poluhov stated that Azerbaijan will open roads to traffic that are closed to Armenia if Armenia returns the control of the surrounding regions around Nagorno-Karabakh.

“In the first stage, 5 of the 7 regions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh (Aghdam, Fuzuli, Zengilan, Cebrail, Gubadli) should be returned to the control of Azerbaijan. Plus, the date for returning Lachin and Kelbecer regions to Azerbaijan should aslo be determined. In return we will open highways and railways to traffic to Armenia that were closed since years,” said he. Poluhov stated that there are important studies towards establishing trust between peoples of two countries.

According to Azerbaijani diplomat, an international security mechanism could be considered to provide the security of the people in the region after Azerbaijani refugees return to their homes. Besides that, establishment of a ’secure and continous transportation network mechanism’ between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians could be established. In the final stage parties will negotiate the status of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Stating that the process of peaceful resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be interrupted if Armenia recognizes independency of seperatist Armenian administration of Nagorno-Karabakh, Poluhov said, “Armenia will be responsible of the results of such step. Azerbaijan will not let the process of peaceful resolution of Karabakh conflict to be delayed for 15—20 years. Yerevan should avoid steps that will harm peace process.”

Stating that the situation of hundred thousands of refugees are not being negotiated in the negotiations towards resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Poluhov said, “These people have the passports of the country they are staying in, because they became refugees before USSR was collapsed. Because of that, they are not refugees according to international laws. But this issue could be resolved following the resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh problem.”