Conference on Garabagh in Germany

The essence and causes of the Armenian-Azerbaijan (Upper Garabagh) conflict, ways and prospects of its solution were in the focus of an international conference, "Stability and peace in South Caucasus - the Upper Garabagh conflict", held in Locum, Germany, on May 2-4.

The conference was organized by the Evangelistic Academy together with Bonn Development Foundation, in close cooperation with the Berlin Berghoff Center for conflict settlement, the London Conciliation Center, the Utrecht European Center for conflict prevention, the German Heinrich Bell Foundation, and the London Alarm Center.

According to the conference participants, it was intended to provide practical assistance in resolving the protracted conflict.

Azerbaijan was represented by over 30 people, including head of President's socio-political department Ali Hasanov, head of the Azeri community in Upper Garabagh Nizami Bahmanov, a member of the working group on POWs and the unaccounted for Avaz Hasanov, etc.

In their statements, they called on international organizations to facilitate the unconditional enforcement of the 4 UN SC resolutions and observance of the principles adopted by the OSCE Lisbon Summit.

According to Mr. Hasanov, all aspects of conflict settlement were discussed in three days, including the exchange of POWs, status of the Upper Garabagh and its potential impact on economic, political and regional relations in the Caucasus.

It appeared during the seminar that Armenians and the parties supporting them are very concerned with further delays within the settlement. Conflict analysts pledged that if the situation doesn't change, Armenia may face the threat of exodus in the future. The same concerns were also voiced by the Minsk Group co-chairs.

Neither did it become clear whether Armenia has a unified position over Upper Garabagh. Some opposition representatives from Armenia unequivocally stated that the present government of their country was not interested in resolving the problem.

A representative of the Helsinki Civil Watch National Committee thinks refugees from the region and can and must return to their homes. According to Mr. Hasanov, the seminar produced the impression of a preparatory one ahead of the Geneva meeting of the two presidents.

No statements were adopted after the conference.