British journalist sees coming months as `a test` for Garabagh talks
29-10-2008 22:23:11
The next three months will be a test for talks on settling the Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict, a British journalist has said.
Thomas de Waal, the author of the "Garabagh" book, told Radio Liberty that this period would reveal whether or not the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders are, indeed, seeking to reach peace.
"If no result is achieved in negotiations, it will be clear that the presidents are simply trying to hide behind peace talks," de Waal said.
De Waal went on to say that, after a brief war in Georgia in August, a change is clearly seen "in the context of the Garabagh conflict." He said that in particular, Turkey`s latest steps have altered the environment in the region, apparently referring to Ankara`s recent initiative to broker Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks and its proposal to set up a five-nation Caucasus union to bolster security in the turbulent region. Moreover, Russia has now invited Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sarkisian to hold a trilateral presidential meeting on the Garabagh settlement in Moscow.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev offered to hold a meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders with Russia`s participation following talks with Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian in Yerevan early last week.
Asked whether he considered this a new stage in peace talks, the journalist said it was somewhat premature to conclude that, as there was a great deal of public resistance to possible concessions, both in Azerbaijan and Armenia.
"A document had long been in place and the parties conducted lengthy talks on it. Now, a time has arrived to be sincere - the sides should put forth a clear-cut stance to demonstrate whether or not they truly want to reach peace or they feel more comfortable with the status quo situation."
De Waal said that making concessions has always been challenging for both parties to the Garabagh dispute. However, the opposition in Azerbaijan, which traditionally takes a more nationalist stance, is currently weak, which strengthens President Aliyev`s position.
"But in any case, making concessions is a very complicated issue, as for both sides this conflict is closely related to the issue of national affiliation." 
The journalist also said Aliyev`s re-election for a second five-year term in the October 15 elections allowed the head of state to focus on major issues and not worry about the rivalry of the opposition.

Viewed 259 times