  DISAGREEMENTS IN MINSK GROUPJudging from all, there are contradictions among the co-chairmen. The visit of the Minsk group co-chairmen gave a basis to think that there are certain disagreements in the approaches of the countries involved in the peace settlement of the Karabakh conflict. Being in Baku, one of the mediators made statements that were contradicting to the words of the other peace maker. Though these contradictions concern the tactical issues, it's evident that the absence of a unity among the co-chairmen may have a negative affect on the negotiation process.  December 12, 2003PanARMENIAN.Net - On December 9 the French co-chairman of the Minsk group Hanry Jacolin in an interview with the "Express" newspaper, Azerbaijan, doubted the fact that Karabakh was an independent party of the conflict. "No need for Karabakh to participate in the peace talks as a party," the French diplomat noted. "I do not think it necessary as the Karabakh Armenians participate in the talks through Armenia. I believe that the positions of Armenia and Karabakh are the same as far as the talks are concerned. Besides, Robert Kocharian himself is from Karabakh," he said. These words totally contradict to the position of the Russian Ministry of Foreign affairs expressed by the diplomats representing Moscow in the talks. A day before the abovementioned statement of the French co-chairman, Russian representative Yuri Merzlyakov said that for Kremlin Karabakh is a party of the conflict. "Nagorno Karabakh is a party of the conflict, and this can not be negated," he said. The former special representative of Russia on Karabakh issue, Vladimir Kazimirov, even having stopped his diplomatic activity, continues to insist on the importance of involving Karabakh in the negotiation process. The statements of Mr. Jacolin contradict also to the international norms, as Nagorno Karabakh has been considered an independent party of the conflict in series of official documents. It is known that the armistice concluded in spring 1994 was signed by the Defense Ministers of all the three countries - Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh. Besides, the Chairman of the Parliament of Azerbaijan has negotiated with NKR and there is his signature under the Bishkek protocol with which Azerbaijan has recognized that Karabakh is an independent party of the conflict. And, finally, the mandate of the co-chairmen themselves, defined at the OSCE Budapest summit, supposed negotiations between the three parties - Yerevan, Baku and Stepanakert. It is strange that Mr. Jacolin has forgotten this. Evidently, he should be reminded about the responsibilities given to him by the OSCE as his actions are exceeding those limits.  Most popular in the section Who is who in the web of so many Sargsyans Controversy in quotations Split of opposition votes There will be no ideal solution    At focus More articles in this section6 simple facts about Armenia–Karabakh–Azerbaijan triangle  Everything you need to knowMain arguments of Armenia’s first President Next Karabakh proposals will be even worseBizarre election promises Church taxation and restoration of monasteries in Western Armenia |  Other articles Latest news Armenian wrestlers win 3 medals at U20 European Championships The Armenian team has won 3 medals at the U20 European Greco-Roman Wrestling Championships.Ameriabank, COAF pool efforts to develop beekeeping in Lori COAF and Ameriabank have presented their joint program Harvesting Nature’s Bounty.Putin to meet Erdogan, Aliyev on SCO sidelines Putin will hold meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.Armenian, Georgian Foreign Ministers meet in Tbilisi The meeting of Ararat Mirzoyan and Ilia Darchiashvili, is underway in Tbilisi, the Armenian Foreign Ministry reveals. |
