"Don't Do Harm" Should Become Main Principle for Karabakh Settlement

PanARMENIAN.Net - The report of the International Crisis Group titled "The settlement of conflicts in the South Caucasus. The role of the European Union" and published March 20, 2006 appears as a serious analytical work and contains recommendations to the European Union on the engagement in the South Caucasian processes. "We share the concern of the international community not to allow large-scale wars near Europe. In this context we welcome any consistent effort bent for the establishment of peace and stability in the South Caucasus, particularly for the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict that broke out after the military aggression of Azerbaijan against NKR. The aspiration of the European structures to deeper integrate in the settlement of conflicts in the South Caucasus is understandable. However the mechanism of achieving these goals presented in the ICG report doesn't seem to be practicable, since it doesn't reflect the essence of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and bases on replaced key notions. Strengthening of democracy and human rights respect are preconditions for the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and we hope the EU will follow these principles in its policy towards the South Caucasus," NKR MFA political department head Irina Beglaryan stated.



In her words, the inclusion of the South Caucasian unrecognized states into the EU integration processes is a positive detail of the report. Activation of the interparliamentary dialogue between the sides involved in conflicts in the South Caucasus also deserves special attention. Joining of the EU Special Representative's for the South Caucasus to the talks held within the OSCE Minsk Group also arouses interest. "On one hand this is a flow of fresh strength and original approaches on the other hand it appears as unneeded decentralization of efforts that will impede the settlement process. In this issue the postulate "do not do harm" should become the main principle.



"At the same time the attempts of the report authors to blame the Minsk Group for the monopolization of the process arouse concern. The OSCE MG activities is not a caprice of some diplomats or states, this is the work carried out within the OSCE mandate. During 14 years of activities the Minsk Group gained a certain peacemaking experience and the maintenance of peace in the region is the result of it. However I would like to stress that neither the current format nor the possible joining of European mediators can compensate for the absence of Nagorno Karabakh, the immediate party to conflict, in the negotiation process," Irina Beglaryan stated, reported NKR MFA press office.