Tahir Tagizadeh: "Armenian FM's statement shows commitment to dialogue"

The latest statements from Armenian Foreign Minister V.Oskanian are constructive and show the commitment to the peaceful conversation process, Trend reports quoting Tahir Tagizadeh, head of information and press, Azeri Foreign Ministry.

 "Armenia is ready to discuss all issues linked to overcoming the consequences of war with Azerbaijan, should Baku recognize Karabakh's right to self-determination," Mr Oskanian said on April.

And two days back he said the following: "In case Azerbaijan agrees that Nagorno Karabakh's people have the right for self-determination that may be embodied not today, but in the future, Armenian side is ready to discuss the most important war issues today – territories, refugees and others."

"This statement shows Armenians' intention to actively participate in peace conversations on resolution of Armenian-Azeri conflict," said Mr Tagizadeh.

"This statement is de facto the evidence of commitment to stage-by-stage resolution. It is known that stage-by-stage process stipulates Armenian forces withdrawal from grounds surrounding Nagorno Karabakh. It also includes a mass of accompanying elements like landmines clearing, communications recovery, return of IDPs and ensuring their safety. And second issue is definition of Nagorno Karabakh's status."

As to self-determination, Tagizadeh said, it is quite possible even within the state. "This is the very highest autonomy status we are talking about," he concluded.

Mr Tagizadeh also shared an opinion on Oskanian's statement regarding Armenia's joining Trans-Caspian gas pipeline and supposed conversations with the USA.

"Armenia may not talk to the USA alone for a number of reasons. One of them is that no regional project is executed without Azerbaijan either as an exporter or a transit country. We may consider cooperation with Armenia possible only upon completion of resolution and elimination of its consequences," Azeri official underlined.