“The resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh through diplomatic methods based on territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan within the framework of international legal norms and principles was a priority issue to our country,” stated Azeri FM Elmar Mammadyarov. “Our stable position on the definition of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh after the peaceable and secure repatriation of refugees and internally displaced persons, peaceable co-resistance of the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities of Nagorno-Karabakh, common economic development of Azerbaijan and regional integration, remains unchanged,” he said. In the Azeri FM’s words, two meetings held at the level of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as regular meetings between the foreign ministries of the two countries provide opportunities to continue talks in 2006.
According to Mr. Mammadyarov, «The year 2005 was an important one in determining of the Council of Europe’s position on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.” After the consideration of the results of the activities of PACE co-rapporteur on Nagorno-Karabakh the January session of the PACE adopted a relevant resolution, which represents basic conclusions by the European MPs on the issue. Thus, in his words, the document reflects unambiguous statements on “occupation of Azerbaijani territory and ethnic cleansing held in the territory, as well as demands for implementation of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council on the issue, and especially, the withdrawal of troops from the occupied territory, violation of CE commitments by Armenia.” “In general, our efforts aimed at peaceable resolution of the conflict continue. In 2006 it is planned to continue discussions on the level of Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan. I hope that the discussions will have positive results and the peace process will pass from the stage of discussions to making concrete decisions. Some large-scale transport and energy projects to be implemented in 2006 will make our country more powerful from the economic viewpoint. Thus, new economic and political situation formed in the region will have positive impact on the resolution of the conflict,” E. Mammadyarov remarked.
«As for foreign policy plans for 2006, such plans are based on political guarantees to large-scale economic-energy and transport projects in the country (the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzerum, the Baku-Tbilisi-Akhalkalaki-Kars pipelines), strengthening of Azerbaijan’s leading position in the region through implementation of a number of economic, political and democratic reforms, continuation of our work over these and other priorities,” the Azeri FM underscored, reported Trend agency.
