MP expects no Azeri-Armenian accord in 2006

"I do not share the optimistic statements by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs and some leading countries' officials that this year will mark a turning point in the conflict resolution," the Milli Majlis international and inter-parliamentary relations commission deputy chairperson Gultakin Hajiyeva told AssA-Irada.

The statement came after another round of talks held by Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Robert Kocharian in the French town of Rambouillet over the weekend, which turned out fruitless.

Hajiyeva said she does not believe the conflict will find its solution in the near future. She said there could be hope only if the political leadership in Armenia is changed and succeeded by a more humane and pragmatic administration.

"The truth is that field commanders are still in power in Armenia, and they are not likely to abandon the regime, built by Robert Kocharian based on bloodshed, and relinquish the Upper Garabagh factor."

The MP continued that to achieve progress in talks, the international community should step up its pressure on Armenia. But unfortunately, this has not happened so far, and on the contrary, the separatist regime in Upper Garabagh and Armenia are receiving much more international assistance than Azerbaijan. Therefore, no political climate or conditions have emerged that would weaken Armenia's internal and external positions, Hajiyeva said. "In this case, one should not expect a fair conflict settlement."

The MP said there are currently factors encouraging the international community to step up the peace process, with the main one being the situation in Azerbaijan and Armenia.

"The world community is well aware that there are no prospects in store for Armenia. With Azerbaijan’s increasing military power and strengthening economy, some circles see vague prospects for Armenia. From this standpoint, some forces citing chances for the conflict solution in 2006 have emerged."

Hajiyeva said, however, that although the Rambouillet talks yielded no fruit, they could be considered Azerbaijan's diplomatic success. "The presidential meeting showed once again who is right and who is wrong."

Commenting on Armenian leader Kocharian's leaving the meeting half-way, the MP said this proved that he had no arguments to lay out to the Azeri side.

/AzerNEWS/