Today.Az » Politics » Bruno Pueza: "I hope that after the settlement of the Karabakh conflict the internally displaced persons will be able to return to the currently occupied lands"
12 November 2008 [14:54] - Today.Az
Day.Az interview with UN resident-coordinator in Azerbaijan Bruno Pueza.

- How would you comment on the recent talks of Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia under mediation of the Russian president and adoption of the Moscow declaration on the Karabakh conflict by the heads of the three states?

- I think it is important that the meeting took place and that the two countries are strengthening a contact between each others. I hope for the rapid development of the negotiation process on the peaceful resolution of this conflict.

- Armenians often blame Azerbaijani powers of the attempt to change the settlement format, while Azerbaijan just tries to involve other main international institutions, primarily the United Nations, which adopted four basic resolutions on the conflict. Which role do you think may UN play in the conflict settlement?

- I think the decision depends on both countries. As far as I understand, several years ago both countries agreed to entrust the negotiation process to the OSCE Minsk group and support this decision. This is a basis, taken into account by the United Nations.

- This year, the co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia for the first time provided humanitarian aid in the amount of $2 mln to the refugees and IDP of Azerbaijan. Are there plans to continue this practice?

- Right, Russia has assisted Azerbaijani internally displaced persons by means of the UN World Food Program. As for the plans for the future, I do not have confirmation but I heard that this issue is being discussed.

- Is the UN office working out any new programs on rendering assistance to Azerbaijani refugees and IDP?

- I can not say anything new on this issue.

- Are you well acquainted with the situation with refugees and IDPs in Azerbaijan. Do you expect the soonest resolution of their conflict after the settlement of the conflict and return of Azerbaijani citizens to their homes?

- I expect from the peaceful settlement of the conflict to include return of the population, that was obliged to flee homes, to their lands. I expect them to come back and I expect the Azerbaijani government to render possible assistance to these families so that they could start normal life in their homes in the currently occupied lands. 

/Day.Az/



Copyright © Today.Az