Azerbaijani political expert: Karabakh talks at the finish line

Do you believe the process of resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has seen a positive dynamics recently?

The fact that the negotiations to settle the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have intensified is a process itself. However, only those who are aware of all nuances of their course in detail know whether this intensification will lead to concrete decisions or not. The broad public does not know these nuances. So, I can neither confirm nor deny that intensification of the Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations has led to positive dynamics for Azerbaijan in terms of fair settlement of the conflict.  

Do you agree that normalizing Turkish-Armenian relations have given an impetus to resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

Of course. Before the signing of the Turkish-Armenian protocols in Zurich, a number of domestic political analysts pointed out to what you are saying now. It was clear that Turkey uses normalizing relations with Armenia as a pretext to bring attention of world's leading powers a need for speedy settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Do you think it is high time for Armenia's interests to be sacrificed in the great game of leading states that have agreed on many issues?

It would be correct to say that the great powers should not abandon their own interests in Azerbaijan for the sake of slaking Armenia’s excessive ambitions which do not conform to international law. I believe that Basic Principles of the conflict resolution must be finally coordinated. The Karabakh talks are at the finish line. Now it is time when we must speak about "yes" or "no" to resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Negotiations can deliberately be protracted a month, or three, but no more. I think there is every reason to believe that in the first quarter of next year there will be an answer to the question of whether the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be settled under international law or not.  

What Azerbaijan can decide if Armenia says “no” to resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under international law?

At least, Azerbaijan will be forced to embark on an arms race, in which Armenia has no chance to compete with Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan will put more diplomatic pressure on Armenia in all  international areas. In particular, Azerbaijan can once again raise the issue of unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and presence of Armenian armed forces in the occupied territories to the UN Security Council.

I do not want to say that if Armenia says "no" to resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under international law, a war will ensue. Because, some diplomatic failures in the settlement of the conflict have not led to beginning of hostilities. Meanwhile, the current breakdown of negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh caused by Armenia will be significantly different as Azerbaijan’s current position has become much stronger.


/Day.Az/