MATTHEW BRYZA: I CAN IMAGINE THE COUNTRY CREATED BY SEPARATISTS
arminfo
2007-08-07 18:39:00
Three major principles will influence the negotiations for settlement
of Karabakh conflict: refusal from application of force, recognition
of territorial integrity, and people’s right to self-determination,
American Co- chair of OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza says in an
interview with Russian newspaper Vremya Novostey.
He is sure that if people strive for peaceful resolution of a
conflict, whenever it is, in Georgia, in the Caucasus, in any place,
in Abkhazia, Karabakh, Moldova, they must find a compromise between
these principles. For instance, I can imagine the country established
by separatists. In the succession of time, other countries recognized
our independence, and it is normal. M. Bryza says. So, we got the
right to self-determination. In the same period of time in the 18th
century, the former colonies, then belonging to Spain, needed that
we recognize their independence. But we rejected because it was not
in our interests. Any situation needs peculiar approach and differs
from others, M. Bryza says. Regarding the possibility of finding such
compromise nowadays, he thinks this task remains for the leaders to
settle. He is sure that the right to self- determination may lead
to independence or autonomy. The Co-chair preferred not commenting
of the issue of referendum is discussion during the negotiations. He
just said that the issue arouses from time to time. The Constitution
of Azerbaijan provides for participation of all the citizens of
Azerbaijan in the referendum. The Armenian party is thinking over
what impact it will have on the status of Karabakh. It is the issue
for the presidents to discuss, M. Bryza says.
As regards the percentage ratio of the present residents in Karabakh
and the Azerbaijani refugees that left, it must be determined as
well. We believe that all the refugees have a right to return, it is
a matter of principle.
But we cannot force the settlement of this problem. It is the
presidents who must decide when, how and on what terms it must take
place, M. Bryza says.