February 14, 2006 - 15:00 AMT
Talks in Rambouillet Failure of «Prague Process,» Baku Says
Azeri political scientists and political figures do not rule out that the unsuccessful talks between Armenian and Azeri Presidents in Rambouillet again froze the negotiation process that had become activated. Another phase of settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict - «the Prague process» - has come to its end, Azeri political scientist Ilgar Mamedov said. «At least a year ago it was already felt that both governments are concerned over elections and the need to gain the support of the West. Both parties merely used «the Prague process» to meet their goals. Elections are over in Azerbaijan and Armenia and the need for «the Prague process» passed away. It is natural that the process ended in a sad way like that,» he stated. «If the matter of coming to agreement depends on Azerbaijan's and Armenia's good will, no effect can be expected. However, if the powers engage in the issue seriously, the process can be moved from the dead point,» another Azeri political scientist Rasim Musabekov said. Nevertheless, Azeri political scientists are sure that in spite of absence of progress at the talks in Rambouillet, the OSCE Minsk Group still has much work to do. «I do not think the matter concerns «death» of the MG. The failure of «the Prague process» and its main principle - the referendum - is the point,» Ilgar Mamedov said. In his turn Rasim Musabekov did not rule out the peace process being frozen in the near future, as after the talks in Key West. «It is quite possible. Notable arms race to the region is expected if it is the case. When arms are bought, it is sometimes used for shooting,» Musabekov said, reported RFE/RL.