The Azerbaijani authorities’ refusal to accept the investigation mechanisms to monitor ceasefire violations demonstrate the Aliyev regime’s unwillingness to reach a negotiated settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, says Eduard Sharmazanov, the vice speaker of the Armenian National Assembly.
Minsk Group should react to Aliyev’s rejectful stance on ceasefire monitoring: Sharmazanov
STEPANAKERT, JUNE 27, ARTSAKHPRESS: Speaking to Tert.am, the parliament official described such policies as an attempt to imitate negotiations without any real intention to reach a breakthrough. In his words, the country is simply procrastinating the time, looking forward to an appropriate moment for a new military adventure.
“I think the Minsk Group should clearly react to the Azerbaijani leader’s rejectful stance, as all its member countries have repeatedly highlighted the importance of the confidence-building mechanisms. This is not just the desire of Armenia but rather the proposal and, if you will, demand by the mediating countries,” he said.
Commenting on the results of the St Petersburg presidential talks at a recent meeting with Azerbaijani servicemen, Aliyev ruled out any need to deploy the proposed investigative mechanisms.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said after the meeting that the sides had agreed to commit themselves to ensuring the necessary measures towards confidence building.
Mr Aliyev, however, spoke resolutely against Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence, describing the country as an “Azerbaijani territory”.
Criticizing the statement, the Armenian parliament official said Azerbaijan is not entitled to determine Nagorno-Karabakh’s status. “Azerbaijan is not supposed to grant any status to the people in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Nagorno-Karabakh people have a God-given right to determine their own fate. Like any other people, they too, have exercised and will exercise their right to a free will expression. Nagorno-Karabakh has never been and will never be part of Azerbaijan,” he added.
