Baku believes referendum on Nagorno Karabakh must be nationwide

According to Itar-Tass, he pointed out that Azerbaijan's stand was "clear." "The Nagorno Karabakh problem may be settled after effects of the armed conflict are eliminated."

"Earlier, not only Armenians, but also Azerbaijanis resided in Nagorno Karabakh," Azimov said.

If to speak of democratic conflict settlement, the demographic situation in Nagorno Karabakh as it was before the conflict waged should be re-established and the Azerbaijani Diaspora should be returned back to their homes, he said.

As for future signing of the framework agreement on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement during the G8 summit due in St. Petersburg, where the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents will take part, Azimov said "such agreement should be drafted first as it does not exist."