Elnur Aslanov, head of the political analysis and information department at Azerbaijan’s presidential administration, comments to News.Az on the process to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"The double standards applied in relations with the South Caucasus countries are among the real hindrances to the Karabakh conflict settlement. Everyone knows that territorial integrity, which is an imperative principle of international law, was violated and lands were occupied. Therefore, the world community should differentiate between the aggressor and the victim. On the other hand, this illegal situation can be assessed as a crime against peace, and the state should be held internationally and criminally responsible. In this respect, the world community must be aware of its responsibility, try to act lawfully and not to repeat historical mistakes.
"Unfortunately, different approaches are applied to equivalent conflicts today. Historical experience shows that the application of double standards sometimes leads to the strengthening of one party and to a deadlock in negotiations. Therefore, the active role of the international community in the Karabakh conflict and its determined position may create favourable conditions for the settlement of the conflict.
"The unsettled conflict also hinders regional development as regional cooperation is possible only between countries that respect the principles of good neighbourliness and do not have territorial claims against each other. Armenia is isolated from regional economic projects as its policy of occupation contradicts the principle of regional cooperation. The settlement of the Karabakh conflict is the only way to end Armenia’s isolation and its regional integration.
"It should also be noted that as the main initiator and executor of projects in the region, Azerbaijan will never agree to Armenia’s participation in these projects before it withdraws its troops from the occupied lands. Azerbaijan will increase political and economic pressure on Armenia until the occupation ends. This is the main tool in restoring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
"If Armenia really wants to demonstrate a positive and sincere approach, it should first withdraw its troops from Azerbaijan’s lands.
"However, the position of the Armenian leadership is not sincere. They are more concerned with the negative impact of the current situation on Armenia’s economy. Armenia is among the countries most affected by the world financial crisis, therefore, it is not difficult to imagine its current state. Furthermore, a greater part of its state budget comes from transfers from the diaspora. As the diaspora has faced the world crisis, this has affected the Armenian state budget too.
"In these conditions, the Armenian economy is deteriorating and this will further affect internal political stability. The domestic political situation worsens when there is no progress in people’s living conditions and when no positive changes are expected. Therefore, the Armenian leadership should realize that peaceful coexistence with neighbours and participation in regional cooperation meet their interests."
Jamil Bayramov
News.Az