The declassified part of the Madrid Principles clearly says that the Nagorno-Karabakh problem must be resolved in conformity with three international standards, namely, people’s right to self-determination, territorial integrity and non-use of force. Azerbaijan’s statements obviously run counter to the Madrid Principles. One gets the impression that Baku is negotiating with itself, arriving at decisions acceptable and trying to present its desires as results of negotiations, RA Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan stated in his interview with the Public TV of Armenia.

He pointed out that the sides took the Madrid Principles approved in 2007 as a basis for negotiations. The OSCE MG Co-Chairs made numerous proposals, but Azerbaijan rejected most of them. A recent example is a proposal to withdraw snipers from the contact line, which was flatly rejected by Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani launched a strong-arm policy from the beginning – Armenian pogtoms, ethnic cleansing, large-scale aggression. Who is responsible? Of course, it is aggressor Azerbaijan, which has implemented this strong-arm policy and launched a military aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh, Sh. Kocharyan said. “Is Azerbaijan ready to accept the Nagorno-Karabakh people’s will now? No, judging by their statements. Is Azerbaijan ready to return the occupied territories of Nagorno-Karabakh? No. So the fundamental issues related to its status must first be settled. No progress is possible as long as Azerjaina tries to maneuver,” he said.

Commenting on the Turkish side’s statements on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, Sh. Kocharyan said: “They nenver say what the Russian, U.S. French leaders, as well as the EU leaders and Co-Chairs tell them. It was publicly stated that the problem is being dealt with within the OSCE Minsk Group. Actually, Turkey was told it has nothing in common with the issue. And the Turkish Premier’s constantly addressing one and the same issue eventually resulted in Turkey being exluded from among the states building up civilized relations in the region.

According to Sh. Kocharyan, Turkey would have something to do only if it encouraged Azerbaijan to be constructive instead of inciting it to a harder line by its statements.

”Sometimes there is an impression that the resolution of the conflict is against Turkey’s interests. The reason? If resolved, the probem will considerably reduce dependence. And during the corresponding period last year we were convinced that the two ‘fraternal’ states were not really in fraternal relations – Azerbaijan launched an overt attack on Turkey," Sh. Kocharyan said.

He pointed out that Azerbaijan pursues this policy toward all countries. The United States has recently been its target.

“If a country is always offended – now it is Russia, now it is the Minsk Group or the U.S. or even the whole world – it shows its policy is mere propaganda, not a desire for progress. It is only a desire to lay the blame on others. No progress is, of course, possible in this case. The repeated statements only prove Azerbaijan’s failed policy,” Sh. Kocharyan said.

T.P.