 | President in USA |
President Aliyev left for the USA Sunday to take part in Garabagh peace talks in Key West, Florida, being brokered by the United States.
Before departing, he told journalists at the airport that the two presidents would, for the first time, be joined by co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. He said other experts could also be involved in the negotiations.
Asked whether there had been any serious changes in Russia’s stance, the head of state said he had nothing specific to say. He indicated, however, that Baku and Moscow had held very fruitful talks over Garabagh settlement lately.
In response to the question whether the Key West meeting would be followed by talks in Moscow, Heydar Aliyev said he had no information to that effect.
Asked about the possibility of Upper Garabagh Armenians taking part in the negotiations, the President said it was out of the question. “I am not taking the head of the Azerbaijan community of Upper Garabagh Nizami Bahmanov along, in order not to be reciprocated by Armenians”, he said.
Expressing his attitude toward a recent statement by MG co-chairs that the parties are as close to signing peace accord as they have never been before, the President said there were grounds for optimism.
In reply to the question if the recent visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister Ismayil Cem to the USA could take a toll on negotiated settlement of the Garabagh dispute, H. Aliyev said, “Turkey has always been sympathetic to Azerbaijan’s cause. However, having noticed the keenness of certain circles in Turkey to thaw relations with Armenia, I notified Turkish government officials of this. This issue could have been raised in Mr. Cem’s meetings in Washington”.
Asked whether he is going to convey the suggestions of the Azerbaijan people over the conflict settlement, the head of state said there were no suggestions he was unaware of. “But I know what people feel and I will certainly take that into consideration”, he added.
Is there a possibility of a breakthrough in the deadlocked negotiations? H. Aliyev said he didn’t know, but hoped there was.
In an answer to the question whether Russia, which has a military cooperation treaty with Armenia, would intervene should the war break out, the President said it was unclear at this point in time.
H. Aliyev reiterated that he would do his utmost for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and never agree to something that may hurt national interests of Azerbaijan. He said agreement in the negotiations would only be the first stage in breaking the impasse, while peace is a more complex matter. It is necessary to pass several stages before the 12-year-long protracted conflict is resolved. The peace accord must be signed not only by the two parties to the conflict, but also the super-states, the UN, OSCE, EU.
Touching upon Turkmenistan’s intention of signing an agreement with foreign companies on Kapaz (a disputed field located on the boundary separating the Azeri and Turkmen sectors), the President said this had lasted for several years.
With regard to the possibility of providing an airdrome to Turkish military aircraft following Georgia’s suit, the President said he could not divulge the state policy in this area. Concerning the possibility of joining NATO, the head of state said it was not an easy question.
Asked about construction of the Khudafarin water-reservoir on the Azeri-Iranian border, H. Aliyev said it was out of the question until the occupied territories were liberated. “I hope Iran doesn’t do this”, he said.
In conclusion the President was asked how he feels. “I feel quite well. If I have time, I will travel to Cleveland for check-up”, he responded.*
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Issue: April, 2, 2001
POLITICS
President in USAKalbajar occupation turns 8
ECONOMICSAbsheron drilling complication report proved falseGov’t forwards new proposals to WBRamco embarks on talks with SOCARBritish company to print long-term loans
CULTUREPresentation of 7th century national clothesSpecialist calls for calm
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