The Hindu, India
March 15 2008
UNGA seeks withdrawal of Armenian forces in Azerbaijan
United Nations (PTI): The United Nations General Assembly has sought
an immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian
forces from all "occupied" territories of Azerbaijan in a resolution
opposed by countries like India and the US.
With an overwhelming number of member States more than 100 either
abstaining or not participating in the vote, the 192-strong General
Assembly called for "continued respect and support for the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan
within its internationally recognized borders."
India joined the Untied States, Russia, France, Armenia, Angola and
Vanuatu in opposing the resolution which got only 39 votes in favour.
The resolution seeking an immediate, complete and unconditional
withdrawal of Armenian forces from all "occupied" territories of
Azerbaijan reaffirmed "the inalienable right of the Azerbaijan
population expelled from here to return to their homes".
It also underlined the need for the comprehensive rehabilitation of
all conflict-affected territories.
No State should recognize as lawful the current situation in
Nagorno-Karabakh, nor provide aid or assistance to maintain that
situation, the resolution, which is not binding, said.
It also called for "normal, secure and equal conditions of life for
Armenian and Azerbaijani communities in the Nagorno-Karabakh region"
so that "an effective democratic system of self-governance" can be
built up.