Amanda Paul: International community is at a loss as to what to do now concerning Nagorno Karabakh conflict
16 July 2011 [11:00] - TODAY.AZ
Interview with Amanda Paul, Policy Analyst at the Brussels-based European Policy Centre.
What do you expect from the Nagorno-Karabakh negotiation process
after the last meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents in
Kazan?
The meeting in Kazan did not deliver the much hoped for results even
though President Obama called the two President’s the day before and
encouraged them to sign the Basic Principles document, which heightened
expectations that success was within reach. Unfortunately this did not
happen and a major breakthrough was not achieved. Unfortunately very
shortly after the meeting, the Armenian Foreign Minister, Edward
Nalbandian, took it upon himself to point the finger of blame at
Azerbaijan which only served to launch a ping-pong blame game with each
side announcing the other had failed to have a constructive approach
towards the talks, which has resulted in Kazan being labeled a failure.
What steps should Azeri side take in the future?
While it is clear that Azerbaijan is frustrated by the lack of results
from the peace process, with the status quo being only of benefit to
the separatist regime in Nagorno-Karabakh and those that support it,
Azerbaijan has pledged to continue to engage in the talks for a peaceful
solution, accepting the basic framework of the latest version of the
Basic Principles. At this new impasse there is a greater need than ever
for international engagement and pressure, therefore Baku should push
for the further involvement of other international actors – in
particular from the EU which should have a greater role in resolution of
this conflict. In fact, given the lack of progress with the current
structures Azerbaijan has indicated on several occasions that it would
appreciate a greater role for the EU. What is clear is that while the
eventual decision over the future status of Nagorno-Karabkah is some
time off, the international community cannot continue to ignore the
ongoing occupation of the Azerbaijani territories surrounding
Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict has kept the entire region hostage,
hobbling its potential. While it is clear Armenia has been economically
affected at the same time the loss of territory has also had a
considerable impact on the economy of Azerbaijan. The lands presently
occupied were previously prime agricultural soils, and providing
thousands of jobs. Furthermore having to sustain and house the some 800
000 Azerbaijani’s that were displaced from their homes in these
territories has been a heavy economic burden on the country. In fact
during a recent debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, a
significant number of lawmakers recognized the need for Armenia to
withdraw from Azerbaijani territories in line with the four relevant UN
Resolution on this issue.
Is there any chance that the US becomes more active in the
mediation process and takes a leading position instead of Russia, e.g.
host meetings between the conflicting sides?
Russia is currently driving the peace process and this is supported by
the international community. The United States has taken the lead in
the past, for example at Key West, but when success seemed near it was
snatched away and the talks collapsed. Frankly I believe the
international community is at a loss as to what to do now because as the
saying goes, you may bring a horse to water, but you cannot make it
drink. The US is now too busy elsewhere to give any greater attention
to Nagorno-Karabakh and at the end of the day only strong political will
from both sides including communicating to both societies that
maximalist goals need to be dropped, will allow for progress and the
signature of the Basic Principles.
/APA/
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