Azerbaijani FM: Azerbaijan supports gradual settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

"Azerbaijan supports the gradual process of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, because it knows that it is impossible to resolve all problems within one day", Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov told media today.

There is progress in the negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, minister said.

"Prague Process" was launched six years ago. The Madrid principles were approved in 2007. The presidents and foreign ministers have actively met within the last two years. Co-chairmen often visit the region", Mammadyarov said.

As a result of the intensity of the negotiation process, minister cited the example of an updated version of the Madrid principles adopted in Athens in December 2009. This document provides an opportunity to adopt a more extensive document in future, he said.

Minister said that Azerbaijan has chosen the diplomatic route and follows it.

He said that Prague process is incremental.

"These stages are reflected in the Madrid document. At the first stage the Armenian armed forces must withdraw its troops from five regions (5 regions and 13 villages in Kalbajar).

"After withdrawal of troops, the Armenian side must restore all communications", Mammadyarov said.

He said that when Armenian forces withdraw its troops from Lachin and Kalbajar, all roads must be open.

"After Azerbaijani refugees return to Karabakh, the status of Nagorno-Karabakh will be discussed. This is Azerbaijani land. It is incorrect for any Azerbaijani territory to be out of the administrative control. All will take place within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, " Azerbaijani foreign minister said.

"Nobody can take away the territory and escape. Whether you like it or not, it is necessary to establish the right policy with neighbors. Moreover, a gradual process is the best option, because we need to remove the issue concerning the results of the war, occupation of Azerbaijani lands and problem of internally displaced people from the negotiations. The sooner this happens, the better ", minister said.

According to him, if the troops are withdrawn from the occupied lands, it will open many opportunities in the region, both in terms of security, and from an economic point of view, and improve the living conditions of ordinary people.


/Trend News/