Tehran Mediation In Nagorno-Karabakh Dispute Useful, Says Armenia

TEHRAN MEDIATION IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH DISPUTE USEFUL, SAYS ARMENIA

Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA)
May 11 2011
Iran

TEHRAN (ISNA)-Armenian ambassador to Iran called Tehran mediation in
Nagorno-Karabakh dispute “useful.”

He made the remark in a meeting on regional geopolitics held in Tehran
on Tuesday and aimed to resolve Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.

The ambassador said, “Iran has proved its honesty and friendship with
Armenia over last 20 years.”

He then referred to Armenia-Turkey issue and said, “now the two sides
have suspended talks on resumption of ties, since Turkey had said
that Nagorno-Karabakh issue should be resolved ahead of dialogues on
resumption of relations, but Armenia believed that the two matters
are completely separated.”

He reiterated that the matter of dispute should be settled only
through a referendum.

“Referendum is the only way through which Nagorno-Karabakh case can
be fixed fairly. On the other hand, holding a referendum does not go
against international rules.”

He called for signing a contract to prevent any use of force against
the two countries, adding that Azerbaijan has refused to ink such a
contract so far.

Also regarding Yerevan-Karabakh flights, the ambassador said,
“Armenia has decided for resumption of the flights as it used to be
during the time of the Soviet Union ruling, but Azerbaijan’s Aviation
Organization has threatened Armenia. Armenian President has given
response to the threats.”

He also added, “Armenia and Azerbaijan membership in the European
Union can help settlement of such problems such as Nagorno-Karabakh.”

Also regarding Iran’s mediation in the issue, the ambassador said,
“Iran has not adopted an impartial and passive stance on the conflict.

It took a mediatory position which was very helpful. Negotiations on
Nagorno-Karabakh issue are continuing and the framework of the talks
had better to be kept.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress