BAKU: Belgian MP’s statement draws criticism

AzerNews, Azerbaijan
April 14 2005

Belgian MP’s statement draws criticism

The statement by chairman of the Belgian parliament’s House of
Representatives Herman De Croo that the Upper Garabagh conflict is
like a husband-wife dispute has drawn fire from Azerbaijani public.
Croo told journalists at the Bina Airport of Baku upon arrival on
Thursday that prior to visiting Azerbaijan he discussed the Garabagh
problem with the Armenian

Presidentand government officials in Yerevan.
Croo said that the Upper Garabagh conflict ‘is like a dispute between
husband and wife’.
The Belgian MP stated in a meeting with media representatives that
int’l pressure is needed to settle conflict.
Azerbaijan’s relations with the European Union within the “New
Neighborhood Policy” Program have intensified, which may promote
resolution of the conflict, Croo said.
The Belgian parliamentarian added that he would issue a communiqu? on
the results of his tour of the region upon returning home.
Chairman of the Yurddash Party, MP Mais Safarli said in a meeting
with Croo that such an approach to the conflict is inappropriate.
“Armenia is not our wife. It is common knowledge that Armenia is
Russia’s wife,” said Safarli, emphasizing that the Upper Garabagh
conflict remains unsettled due to this.
Safarli noted that Russia has supplied Armenia with weapons worth
some 1 billion dollars over the past few years.
“These arms pose a threat not only to Azerbaijan and regional
countries but also to the entire Europe.”
The MP added that it is worthless to speak of democracy and human
rights in Azerbaijan until the Upper Garabagh conflict is settled.