Author: Hunanian Jack

A1+
| 15:35:52 | 16-09-2005 | Politics |
THE GOVERNMENT MUST GIVE AN ANSWER TO THE ARF
There were several draft laws in the NA agenda made by deputies from the
ARF. The Government does not like to have laws like the draft resolution
about introducing changes into the Law on `Legalization of illegal
buildings’ or the new Law on `Bodyguards’ Service’.
`We all know how many bodyguards they have, and it is not regulated by the
law’, says the secretary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
Parliamentary fraction Hrayr Karapetyan. The ARF does not understand why the
Government avoids the offered law.
The deputies from ARF intend to organize Parliamentary hearings and expect
the Government representative to explain why they avoid from regulating the
above mentioned field.

LEGAL BODIES OF TEHRAN ASSURE THAT THOSE KILLED IRANIAN ARMENIAN YOUNG
MAN TO BE PUNISHED

TEHRAN, SEPTEMBER 15, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On September 13,
sardar Eslami, the general responsible for police stations of the
eastern region of Tehran, and those responsible for the police station
of the district of Narmak, and clergymen paid a visit of condolence to
parents and relatives of Miro Begijanian, an Iranian Armenian young
man killed during a despute with three Persians late on September
9. According to the “Alik” daily of Tehran, they passed the precept of
sardar Talayi, the chief police officer of the city, and assured that
they will pursue that the criminals were punished.

Journal of Turkish Weekly
Sept 14 2005
Georgia: An Important State for the Stability in the Caucasus
by Kamer KASIM
After the collapse of the Soviet Union , became an independent state,
however, since its independence faced severe internal crisis and
security problems, which were the great obstacle for the
implementation of reforms and the success of the state-building
process. Having border with , , and and access to the Black Sea make
important transit routes to the Europe and Central Asia . Internal
conflicts and lack of stability prevented to utilize its location in
the Caucasus and delayed the possible regional cooperation, which
would be beneficial for all the countries in the region. Given the
fact that has lack of natural resources and weak economic structure,
it is very difficult for to exploit its geographical location without
support from the regional powers and the . In fact, is the one of the
biggest beneficiary of the aid in the world. has received
approximately $ 800 million aid from the . , the , and the are also
important donors for . To analyze the roots of ‘s continuing problems
and its difficulty to solve them despite the financial and political
support from the outside world; we need to look at ‘s frozen
conflicts and Russian role in the region.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union , the has emerged with 60
percent of the population and 76 percent of the territory of the
former Soviet Union and followed the policy of domination in the
former Soviet territories. The Soviet Union was a multinational
empire and its foreign policy agenda was designed accordingly. The
foreign policy of the had to be different than the Soviet Union .
Internal discussing about the direction of the Russian foreign policy
produced the two main groups: Atlanticists and Eurasianists.
Atlanticists considered as a Western nation and according to them
cooperation with the Western states would help to absorb Western
values, including democracy and human rights. Atlanticists believed
that must avoid assuming a leading role in the Commonwealth of
Independent States (CIS). ‘s active role in the CIS would slow down
‘s integration with Western economic institutions.[1] Until the end
of 1992 Atlanticist view was dominant in Russian foreign policy and
they aimed to liberate the from the burdens of the empire and to make
a part of community of democratic states. In that period, ‘s
administration was concerned with transforming of the Russian economy
into a genuine market and to integrate with the Western system. As a
result, showed a lack of interest in its relations with the new
Caucasian and Central Asian republics.[2] Eurasianists criticized
Atlanticist view and they emphasized ‘s distinctive identity from the
West. The Eurasianist approach affected ‘s foreign policy after 1992,
and produced the policy of `Near Abroad’ (blizhneezarubezhe)
promoting ‘s relations with the CIS. Eurasianists believed that the
security of and its `Near Abroad’ was inseparable and should not
ignore the Caucasus and Central Asia .[3] As an indication of the
change in Russian foreign policy, the `foreign policy concept’ was
introduced in 1993, which emphasized actual and potential conflicts
of interests with the West and envisaged a more active role for in
security and economic affairs in the `Near Abroad’.[4] After that
used every tool to restore its dominance in the Caucasus and small
states in the region were severely affected by that policy. was one
of the worst affected states with the Russian policy in the region.
was rejected became a part of the CIS and Russian military presence
in the country. showed its ability to use internal dispute in
regional states in order to exert its influence and to keep its
military presence in newly independent states. was an easy target for
the Russian foreign policy, since has diverse minority groups and
fragile political and economic structures. As a result faced internal
turmoil and conflict with Abkhazia and Ossetia . Abkhazia was an
autonomous republic within and the conflict, erupted between
Georgians and Abkhazians.
The Russian forces played a role in supplying arms, training and
assisting Abkhazian units in direct combat.[5] The main reason for
the Russian support of Abkhazia was to put pressure on to enter the
CIS and allow Russian troops to be deployed on the Turkish-Georgian
border. Abkhazia’s strategic position along the Black Sea coast was
probably another reason for the Russian support of Abkhazia.[6] In
fact, the conflict forced to enter the CIS.[7] got four military
bases in . The Russian bases were in the most sensitive areas. One
was in Abkhazia and was believed to be a support point for the
Abkhazian separatists. Another was in the southwestern region of
Adjara, which was also in rebel hands. A third one was at
Akhalkalaki; the heart of a region populated mainly by Armenians. The
fourth one was on the outskirts of Tbilisi where there is also an air
base.[8]
On April 4, 1994, the `Declaration on Measures for a Political
Settlement of the Georgian-Abkhazian Conflict’ was signed, even
though the resumption of armed conflict remained a future
possibility. According to this document, Abkhazia would have its own
constitution, parliament and government and appropriate state
symbols, such as an anthem, emblem and flag, and would maintain its
own internal sovereignty.[9] Georgian officials complained about the
agreement and Deputy Prime Minister, Nadareishvili, said that
`agreements signed between and Abkhazia had no legal basis and were
harmful for ‘.[10]
also faced Ossetia problem just after the independence. Some south
Ossetians wanted to unite with North Ossetia and become part of .
Having used Abkhazians and Ossetians, had the chance to meddle .
After Ossetians’ declaration of sovereignty, Georgian Parliament
abolished Ossetia ‘s autonomous status. 100,000 people became refugee
as a result of the fighting in Ossetia . In 1992 a
Russian-Georgian-Ossetian peacekeeping force was created in South
Ossetia .[11] Crisis gave a chance to intervene the internal affair
of . It might be argued that unification of south and north Ossetia
was not ‘s interest. Therefore benefited from the crisis, but it did
not also want Ossetians to reach their final objective.
Dispute between and continued about the Russian military bases in .
In 1995, the treaty was signed between and about permission to the
Russian military bases in . The Treaty was in effect for 25 years,
and automatically extent five years at a time if the parties did not
agree otherwise. However, the treaty was not ratified. In 1999,
Georgian Foreign Minister Menegarashvili stated that the reason for
the non-ratification of the 1995 treaty was that it was in fact
breaching the limits of the original Conventional Forces in Europe
(CFE) treaty. In March 2005 the Georgian parliament passed a
resolution ordering to withdraw from no later than 2006 and allowing
to exercise its right to take measures against the bases before May
2005.[12] According to the recent deal the withdrawal of the Russian
military bases from will be completed within 2008.
The developments after the 11th of September 2001 terrorist attacks
have a great impact in the Caucasus . The military presence in the
region increased the influence and in this aspect, together with ,
became an important state to fight against terrorism. The stability
in became more important for the . First, provides air link for the
troops to Central Asia and important check point in the Caucasus .
Second after 11 September and the War in in 2003 made crucial to the
realization of the East-West energy corridor and particularly the
transportation of Caspian oil to the world markets.
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline became partly operational on 25th of
May 2005. Therefore, the will not want any destabilization of , which
might prevent the flow of oil from the pipeline. Despite the fact
that was benefited from the international environment after the 11
September 2001, also used this environment for its benefit, which to
some extent put in a difficult situation. imposed more assertive
policy towards the Chechen conflict and blamed to provide shelter for
terrorists in Pankisi Valley . argued that Pankisi Valley became the
area as a training ground and arms smuggling route for the Chechen
rebels. The area also became home for approximately 7.000 Chechen
refugees and full control of the region is beyond the ‘s capacity.
aimed to established anti-terror centers in . However, considered
this suggestion as a Russian strategy to re-label its military bases
in as anti-Terror centers.
faced also tension in Javakheti province and its capital Ahalkelek,
where was home for Ahiska Turks and currently Armenian minority lives
there. The return of the Ahiska Turks to was discussed in the Council
of Europe within the framework of Georgian membership to the Council
of Europe. Ahiska Turks’ return to has not been realized yet. The
province is adjacent to and on the important transit route between
and . Separatist tendencies of the Armenian minority of the province
might destabilize and even the potential danger exists for the
creation of second `Karabakh’. During the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,
Armenians in Javakheti aided to the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians and
Nagorno-Karabakh problem is stimulated Armenian nationalism.[13]
After 11th September 2001 increased importance of in the region and
the military presence in reduced the risk of possible conflict in
Javakheti province.
After the completion of the Baku-Tbilisi-Cayhan pipeline Georgia
became a key state for Turkey, Azerbaijan and the US. Georgia’s
relations with Turkey improved on the political and economic front.
The project to construct railway link between Turkish city Kars to
Georgian city Ahalkelek would be important for improve the
transportation in the region. However, Armenia objected the
Kars-Ahalkelek railway link. Armenia argued that proposed railway
line would contribute the isolation of Armenia. The construction of
the Kars-Ahalkelek railway line and the rehabilitation of the
existing Tbilisi-Ahalkelek line need approximately $ 400 million.
Georgia’s significance will grow in the region and the US and
Turkey’s assistance will continue in the future. Political stability
in the Caucasus will be very difficult to achieve in the near future.
The increase of political and economic stability in Caucasus
countries will contribute the regional stability. After the `velvet
revolution’, the positive atmosphere emerged for the stability of
Georgia and stability will create the suitable atmosphere for the
solution of Georgia’s `Frozen Disputes’.
——————————————————————————–
[1] Robert H. Donaldson and Joseph L. Nogee, The Foreign Policy Of
Russia Changing Systems and Enduring Interests, (London and New York:
M.E. Sharpe, 1998), pp. 112-113.
[2] For example, Foreign Minister Kozyrev first visited Central Asia
in April 1992, by which time US Secretary of State James Baker had
already been there three times on official visits. See, Graham E.
Fuller, `Russia and Central Asia…’ pp. 125-127.
[3] Roy Allison, Millitary Forces in the Soviet Successor States,
Adelphi Paper, 280, (London: The International Institute for
Strategic Studies, 1993), p. 46. See also A. Kortunov, `Russia, the
`Near Abroad’, and the West’, G. Lapidus (ed.), The New Russia:
Troubled Transformation, (Boulder: Westview, 1995), pp. 157-160
[4] Neil Malcolm, `The New Russian…’, p. 31. See also Oleg Kovalev,
Foreign Policy Belief Systems of Post Soviet Russian Elites,
unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University Of Delaware, Summer 1996, pp.
158-222.
[5]Although, generally, Russia rejected the involvement of the
Russian troops in the conflict, Russian warplanes bombed Georgian
positions at the Gumsta front. It was argued by Russia that they were
provoked by the Georgian artillery shelling of the Russian military
laboratory in Eshera. Ibid, p. 74 Elizabeth Fuller, RFE/RL, 1 October
1993
[6] Ali Fuat Borovali, `The Caucasus within a Historical-Strategic
Matrix: Russia, Iran And Turkey’, Dis Politika (Foreign Policy), Vol.
18, 1994, p. 33.
[7] Viacheslav A. Chirikba, `Georgian-Abkhazian Conflict and its
Aftermath’, Mehmet Tutuncu (ed.), Caucasus: War and Peace, (The
Netherlands: SOTA Haarlem, 1998), p. 75.
[8] Stephen Kinzer, `Defiant Satellite Nation Finds Russia’s Orbit
Inescapable’, Sunday, 3 May 1998.
[9] Chirikba, `Georgian-Abkhazian Conflict…’, p. 79
[10] Interfax, 16 September 1996. After the series of talks, both
sides reached another agreement at the end of October 1998. Abkhazian
Newsletter, 5 December 1998.
[11] Suzanne Goldenberg, Pride of Small Nations, (London and New
Jersey: Zed books, 1994), pp. 105-107.
[12] See Johanna Popjanevski, `Russian Trop Withdrawal In Light of
International Law’, Georgian Foundation for Strategic and
International Studies
[13] Hasan Kanbolat ve Nazmi Gül, `The Geopolitics and Quest for
Autonomy of the Armenians of Javakheti (Georgia) and Krasnodar
(Russia) in the Caucasus’, Armenian Studies (Ermeni Araþtýrmalarý),
Issue 2, June-July-August 2001, ss. 186-210. For the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, See Kamer Kasým, `The Nagorno-Karabakh
Conflict, Caspian Oil and Regional Powers’, Bülent Gökay (ed.), The
Politics of Caspian Oil, London: Palgrave, 2001, pp. 185-198. Kamer
Kasým, `The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict From Its Inception To The Peace
Process’, Armenian Studies, Issue 2, June-July-August, 2001, pp.
170-185. Kamer Kasým, `The Transportation of Caspian Oil and Regional
Stability’, Journal of Southern Europe and The Balkans, Volume: 4,
Number 1, May 2002, pp. 36-45.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamer KASIM: Abant Izzet Baysal University,
Department of International Relations and Member of ISRO Science
Committee.

Armenpress
COMMISSION FINES COCA COLA
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS: A government commission for protection
of economic competition has ruled to fine Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling
Company Armenia in the amount of one percent of its last year’s profits.
The decision followed a complaint from Jermuk Group, the exclusive
representative of Pepsi Cola in Armenia that Coca Cola was threatening trade
kiosks and shop owners to take away its refrigerators if they install also
Pepsi Cola refrigerators.
The commission said today it had asked Coca Cola two months ago to drop
these threats, but its letter remained unanswered. It also said its decision
was backed by findings of a survey among shop and kiosk owners.

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
September 13, 2005
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: [email protected]
ASSEMBLY ARAMAC ACTIVISTS URGE LAWMAKERS TO SUPPORT ARMENIAN ISSUES
Washington, DC – In a push to increase House and Senate support for
Armenian issues, Assembly grassroots activists met with several
lawmakers in their home districts during the month-long congressional
summer recess.

Assembly Grassroots Director Nancy Hiteshue and Western Office
Director Lena Kaimian led community meetings in California, Colorado,
Illinois, Minnesota and New York to encourage legislators there to
support the pan-Armenian genocide resolution, as well as legislation
that would bar U.S. funding for a railroad connecting Turkey, Georgia
and Azerbaijan.
Beginning in California on August 4, activists met with Armenian
Caucus Member Rep. Joseph Baca (D-CA). The Assembly delegation briefed
Baca on current legislation and encouraged his future involvement on
community issues. As a result of the meeting, Baca agreed to
cosponsor both the Armenian Genocide resolution and the rail measure.
The following week, Kaimian had an hour-long meeting with
newly-elected Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA) to urge him to join the Caucus
while Hiteshue and activists met with Armenian Caucus Member
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) and her staff. The group thanked the
Congresswoman for backing the Armenian Genocide resolution,
H. Res. 316, which would reaffirm the U.S. record on the crime against
humanity.
“The Congresswoman once again pledged her support for reaffirmation of
the Armenian Genocide and her desire to continue strengthening ties
between the U.S. and Armenia,” said ARAMAC State Chair for Minnesota
Lou Ann Matossian who participated in the meeting. “Congresswoman
McCollum has been a great friend of the Armenian community in our
state.”
Board of Directors Vice Chair Lisa Esayian also led a community
meeting with Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), who agreed to cosponsor
the Armenian Genocide resolution at the group’s request.
Assembly activists also met with Representatives Susan Davis (D-CA)
and Gary Miller (R-CA), as well as staff members from the offices of:
Senators Wayne Allard (R-CO) and Barack Obama (D-IL) and
Representatives Bob Beauprez (R-CO), Tim Bishop (D-NY), Rahm Emanuel
(D-IL), Jim Ramstad (R-MN), John Salazar (D-CO), Thomas Tancredo
(R-CO) and Mark Udall (D-CO). Armenians of Colorado joined the
Assembly delegation for meetings in their state.
In conjunction with the district meetings, ARAMAC held a Midwest
Regional Issue Briefing and Advocacy Workshop on August 20 at
St. Sahag Armenian Church in St. Paul, MN. Board of Directors Vice
Chair Lisa Esayian shared with participants her impressions of Armenia
from her recent trip and discussed the importance of grassroots
advocacy. Hiteshue also led a workshop on increasing the Assembly’s
outreach efforts in the Midwest. Kansas State Chair Alex Kotoyantz,
along with ARAMAC State Chair for Minnesota Lou Ann Matossian and Vice
Chair Aram Desteian, were among the participants.
On August 23, ARAMAC State Chair for Colorado Pamela Barsam-Brown, and
her husband Stanley, hosted a reception for community activists at
their Boulder, CO home. The event included a legislative update from
Kaimian.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
NR#2005-088
Photographs available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following
links:
CAPTION: L to R: ARAMAC State Chair for Minnesota Lou Ann Matossian,
Assembly Grassroots Director Nancy Hiteshue, Assembly Associate
Trustee Kathy Cafesjian Baradaran, Representative Betty McCollum
(D-MN) and ARAMAC State Vice Chair for Minnesota Aram Desteian during
their meeting in St. Paul, MN on August 17.
CAPTION: L to R: Dr. Sarkis Broussalian, Western Office Director Lena
Kaimian, Vasken Imasdounian, Diane Cabraloff, Congressman Gary Miller
(R-CA), Rita Topalian, Vahe Charkhutian, Anoush Cabraloff and Assembly
Western Office Deputy Director Nicole Shahenian during their meeting
on August 8.
CAPTION: L to R: Assembly Western Office Director Lena Kaimian, Betty
Ohanessian, ARAMAC State Chair for Colorado Pamela Barsam-Brown,
former Assembly intern Kim Christianian and Stanley Brown during a
community reception hosted by the Browns.
CAPTION: L to R: Board of Directors Vice Chair Lisa Esayian,
Grassroots Director Nancy Hiteshue, Assembly Supporting Affiliate
Vartan Paylan, Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), Former Assembly Intern
Arpi Paylan and Haiganoush Paylan.

UKRAINIAN AMBASSADOR TO RA HANDED CREDENTIALS TO ROBERT KOCHARIAN
Pan Armenian News
12.09.2005 05:29
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today newly appointed Ukrainian Ambassador to
Armenia Alexander Bozhko handed his credentials to RA President
Robert Kocharian, President’s press center reported. Robert Kocharian
congratulated the diplomat on the appointment and welcomed him back to
Armenia. A. Bozhko said Armenia underwent a lot of positive changes
during 4 years of his absence from the republic. Touching upon the
Armenian-Ukrainian relations the RA President noted that the efforts
for strengthening economic relations proved fruitful. At the same
time he added that much is still to be done for the development
of political and humanitarian relations. Robert Kocharian voiced
assurance that thanks to the efficient activities of the Ambassador
greater progress will be fixed. To note, Alexander Bozhko occupied
the post of the Ukrainian Ambassador to Armenia in 1996-2001.

DAYS OF ARAB CULTURE TO BE HELD IN ARMENIA ON SEPT 17-23
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 8. ARMINFO. Days of Arabic culture will be held in
Armenia on Sept 17-23, and the delegation from the emirate Sharzha
of UAE headed by its Minister of Culture Abdullah Muhammad al Uveis
will arrive in Yerevan on an official visit.
ARMINFO was informed in the Ministry of Culture of Armenia, meetings
of the culture ministers of Armenia and Sharzha will be held within
he framework of the arrangements. In the Arab delegation staff – the
ethnographical dance group and company of National theatre of Sharzha,
who will have concerts in a series of towns of Armenia.

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 9 2005
Crisis Group proposes postponement of Garabagh status discussions
Baku, September 8, AssA-Irada
The International Crisis Group, an organization working to prevent
conflicts worldwide, has made proposals on the settlement of the
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Upper Garabagh.
The ICG vice-president Alain Deletroz, in an exclusive interview with
Radio Liberty, said the status of the region is the `most problematic
issue in peace talks’, suggesting that discussions on the matter be
postponed for 10-15 years.
Deletroz called on both sides, in particular, Azerbaijan, to put an
end to belligerent statements. `On one hand, Upper Garabagh Armenians
are called Azerbaijani citizens, while on the other – enemies. This
may make the peace process impossible’, he said.
The ICG representative said that first of all, displaced persons
should return home and relations should be established between the
Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of Garabagh.
`This can be done through stationing military contingents of
countries trusted by Azerbaijan and Armenia in the conflict zone.’
Deletroz pledged to submit his proposals to the two countries’
officials.*

MONUMENT FOR VICTIMS OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TO BE ERECTED IN LARNACA,
CYPRUS
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 10. ARMINFO. Armenian Parliamentary Speaker Arthur
Baghdasaryan and PACE President Rene van der Linden discussed the
process of Constitutional reforms in Armenia in New York. Speaker
Baghdasaryan stays on an official visit to the USA.
The Armenian Parliamentary press-service reports to ARMINFO that Rene
van der Linden stressed the importance of an extensive propaganda
before the national referendum. He also stressed the importance of the
efficiency of the reforms.
In New York, Arthur Baghdasaryan met with a number of Czech, Swiss,
Japanese, Brazilian and Jordanian colleagues. These official meetings
resulted in agreements on establishment of inter-parliamentary ties of
Armenia and the above states. Arthur Baghdasaryan expressed confidence
in considerable contribution of these ties to developing bilateral
cooperation in different spheres and to the right perception of the
problems concerning Armenia at international organizations. Armenian
Speaker and Head of the House of Representatives of Cyprian Parliament
Demetris Christofias agreed to erect a Monument for the victims of
Armenian genocide in ottoman Turkey in 1915 in Larnaca.
Arthur Baghdasaryan return to Yerevan after his meetings in New York.

Pan Armenian News
TIME FOR KARABAKH CONFLICT PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT MAY BE RUNNING OUT
09.09.2005 06:45
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ All sides in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict need to prepare
their people for peace much better if the seeds of their high-level
negotiations are to bear fruit. Nagorno Karabakh: Viewing the Conflict from
the Ground, the latest report from the International Crisis Group, explores
how the Armenians and Azeris from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding
districts live and how they view the resolution of the conflict. Despite
signs of progress at internationally mediated negotiations (to be discussed
in a subsequent report), rising military expenditures and increasing
ceasefire violations are ominous signs that time for a peaceful settlement
may be running out. The brutal war over Nagorno Karabakh killed some 18,500
people and displaced over a million before settling into a shaky cease-fire
in 1994. Eleven years on life in Nagorno Karabakh has regained some sense of
normalcy with a developing economy and elected institutions. Yet nothing has
been done to restore rights of war victims. The creation of mono-ethnic
institutions in Nagorno Karabakh, the destruction of Azeri property, and the
privatisation of land and businesses pose significant obstacles to Azeri
return and reintegration. Many displaced persons have become highly
dependent on the Azerbaijani state, with few opportunities to participate
fully in political life and determine their own future. Refusing to allow
dialogue and demonising Armenians through the state-sponsored media and
schools, Baku has hardened anti-Armenian feeling among average citizens. The
Azerbaijanis and Armenians are as separated as they have ever been. “There
is need to counter the hate propaganda and unlock the potential for
confidence building and dialogue between average Azeris and Armenians”, says
Sabine Freizer, Director of Crisis Group’s Caucasus Project. “This has to
happen before the memories of cohabitation fade and the divide becomes
unbridgeable”. Neither community appears prepared to agree to the kind of
settlement being considered by the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign
ministers in the negotiations sponsored by the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). “The vast majority of those affected by the
conflict have been kept in the dark about the details of the negotiations”,
says Alain Deletroz, Crisis Group’s Vice President for Europe. “But there is
no way for any peace process to succeed unless leaders from all sides start
actively selling the idea to their people”.