Dennis Summut: "The Moscow declaration would be effective if it is followed by definite actions such as return of lands to Azerbaijan and return of refugees and IDP"

- The Presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a declaration on the peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict. The Presidents "state that they will promote improvement of the situation in the South Caucasus and provision of establishment of stability and security in the region by way of the political resolution of the conflict on the basis of principles and norms of international law and decisions and documents, adopted in these frames in order to create favorable conditions for economic development and comprehensive cooperation in the region". There is no any word about real progress in the settlement process. So, what is the importance of the declaration?

- The signing of the declaration is an important development that hopefully opens the way for the next steps in the resolution of the Karabakh conflict. It is a good declaration because it is realistic. It emphasises that the conflict needs to be solved peacefully on the basis of international law; it recognises the need to follow up political actions with economic and social development; and it recognises the need to build confidence as a prerequisite to a full solution of the problem.

- Can this document to be an attempt of Russia to make Azerbaijan deny of military way of settlement of the conflict?

- The declaration speaks about a peaceful solution to the conflict. It means that both sides now recognize that this is the best way to solve the conflict. It is not only Russia who supports this but practically all of the international community. Hopefully the document means that all sides are now going to engage with the efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully more energetically than before.

- Don’t you think that invitation of two presidents in Moscow is attempt of Russia to play the main role in the settlement of the conflict after events in Georgia ?

- It is easy to see this as a Russian attempt to pre-empt the efforts of the international community. I see it differently. I think this is a clear message from Russia that it wants to be a constructive player in the South Caucasus and part of the international effort. The declaration recognises the work of the OSCE Minsk Process and sees the next steps taking place in the context of this process. Russia on its own cannot resolve this conflict. On the other hand neither can the United States on its own. Both should work with Europe and with the two sides.

- Can problems between US and Russia because of Georgia influence on the Karabakh conflict?

- I think the OSCE Minsk Process passed through a difficult moment immediately after the Georgia conflict. But I think all sides understand the need to work together. The US and Russia must show that they care about the region and about the people of the region and they therefore need to put away any differences between them and concentrate on bringing peace to the region.

- Are there any real possibilities to reach progress in the settlement in further years?

- The Moscow declaration will only be useful if it is quickly followed up by changes on the ground. If there are developments in the next twelve months – such as return of territory to Azerbaijan, return of refugees and IDPs and opening up of regional relations - than one can say that the Moscow declaration was the beginning of a process. If after one year nothing happens than the Moscow declaration will be another piece of paper. There are already ideas on the table – sometimes referred to as the Madrid principles. They may still need further discussion but they are a good basis from where the two sides can start. The Minsk Group co-Chair will now have to revitalise their work.

But I also give a lot of importance to the work of civil society in general in both Armenia and Azerbaijan. We are already hearing a noisy reaction from those who do not want to see peace. They must not be allowed to dominate the debate. All those organisations and personalities who care about the future of the region should openly welcome the Moscow declaration and engage with the Minsk process to ensure that we get progress as soon as possible. But the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan need to ensure that they create space for this activity.

The Moscow declaration opens a window of opportunity. But unless there is immediately follow-up this window will close very quickly.

/Day.Az/