Azerbaijani FM: It is impossible to determine Nagorno-Karabakh's status at this stage - UPDATE - PHOTOS

Signing a framework agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh is not expected at the OSCE summit in Astana, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said today in his speech at the opening of the symposium on international relations on the topic "South Caucasus in a Changing World" in Baku.

"At present, we are not working on preparation of such a document," he said.
Today's agenda includes issues on defining the format of talks to be held in Astana on the conflict resolution, he said.

According to Mammadyarov, in the near future the Minsk Group co-chairs will visit the region and provide the sides with a report on the OSCE Assessment Mission's activity.

"Compared to the first mission, which took place in the region in 2005, this time mediators and members of the mission visited the seven occupied regions. We are waiting for the assessment mission's report to give conclusion on their activity," he said.

The OSCE Assessment Mission examines the situation in the occupied territory of Azerbaijan on Azerbaijan's initiative. During their most recent visit the co-chairs visited these areas and familiarized themselves with the situation. The mediators are expected to prepare a report on the current situation in the occupied lands.

The recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh's independence by Armenia would be a big mistake of Yerevan, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said speaking at the opening of 'The South Caucasus in a Changing World "Annual Symposium of International Relations Scholars in Baku today.

"If Armenia begins the process of recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh, it will be a big mistake in terms of the international law. The recognition of Karabakh's independence would mean that Armenia recognizes the fact of occupation of the Azerbaijani lands," Mammadyarov said.

Following this [recognition of Karabakh's independence], Mammadyarov said, the UN Security Council should provide an unambiguous reaction. The independence of Azerbaijan, including Nagorno-Karabakh, has been recognized by all UN member states.

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The parties to the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict must remove the negative aspects from the table of negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said speaking at the opening of 'The South Caucasus in a Changing World "Annual Symposium of International Relations Scholars in Baku today.

According to Mammadyarov, these negative aspects include the reluctance of Armenia to withdraw troops from the occupied Azerbaijani territories, obstacles put by Yerevan in return of IDPs to the occupied territories and Nagorno-Karabakh region and Armenia's requirements to determine the status of Nagorno-Karabakh at this stage, which is simply impossible now.

"The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict poses a serious threat to the development of the region and peoples living there. We understand that an agreement between the parties to the conflict on yet several existing negative milestones can be a good a base for the transition to a complete solution to the conflict," he said.

Mammadyarov said the region must do everything to achieve a lasting peace and stability.

"There is a strange situation in the negotiation process today, as neither Azerbaijan nor the OSCE co-chairing countries can get a definite answer from Armenia on the Madrid principles," Mammadyarov said.

The repatriation of representatives of the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh to the occupied territories will be an important aspect of the talks, he said.

"Azerbaijan does not intend to refuse from the peace process and will continue the talks, which are not so intensive today," Mammadyarov said. "Armenia should not hinder the negotiation process."

"In the long term, I am sure Azerbaijan's territorial integrity will be restored in accordance with the UN requirements," he said

'The South Caucasus in a Changing World "Annual Symposium of International Relations Scholars is running in Baku from Oct. 22 to 23.

By enhancing regional cooperation and networking, the Symposium aims to contribute to the growing community of scholars in Azerbaijan and the region who are interested in regional politics, economics and international relationships.

The symposium is attended by over 150 foreign and local experts.

The symposium will discuss the topics such as "Global challenges in the regional context," "Problems of regional security - conflict and post-conflict development", "The emerging economic trends in the South Caucasus - the development of information technology and energy" and "Foreign Policy in the Caucasus: strategies and choices".

It is planned to publish a book including papers delivered at the Symposium by participant-scholars. Publication will be distributed to the scientific and think tanks around the world.


/Trend/

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