‘2012 is not ‘lost year’ despite lack of progress in Karabakh conflict resolution’

Despite the lack of progress in resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 2012, Azerbaijan does not consider this year as a 'lost one', Deputy Head of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration, Head of the Foreign Relations Department, Novruz Mammadov said in an interview to the ruling New Azerbaijan Party's website on Tuesday.

"I do not consider 2012 a lost year. Azerbaijan's steps and achievements in any case have found their place in the international relations system, have an impact on it, and this impact is felt stronger within the region," Mammadov said.

He noted that the neighboring states seriously feel this impact.

"Although the desired progress has not been reached for the final resolution of the conflict, the negotiations over the past few years, as well as statements made by the co-chairing countries [made in Aquila and Muskoka] coincide with Azerbaijan's position," Mammadov said.

He noted that although these statements yielded no results, they have left their mark this year.

"Of course, these statements will be voiced as stronger requirements next year," Mammadov said. "Therefore, we believe that no matter how hard the Armenian side tries to delay negotiations, no matter how much it sought reasons for it, no matter how much it made efforts in this regard, it will not be able to achieve it."

"Status quo must change, and it will change," Mammadov said.

He noted that Azerbaijan's strengthening position and growing power bring closer the prospects for the conflict resolution.

"We have repeatedly said that the status quo must change, while now the leaders of co-chairing countries recognize the fact that the status quo cannot be preserved," Mammadov said.

He noted that Azerbaijan wants international law to function, and international organizations to be more seriously engaged in this direction.

"Indeed, there exists some issues, but whatever happens, we will free our lands. This is something, no one should be doubtful about," Mammadov underscored.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France and the U.S. are currently holding the peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council's four resolutions regarding the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.


/Trend/