The 89th NATO Parliamentary Assembly “Rose Roth” seminar was held in Yerevan on June 18-20. The seminar was attended by a group of observers from Nagorno-Karabakh while the Azerbaijani and Turkish delegations were absent. However, one of the speakers of the 89th “Rose Roth” was an Azerbaijani ethnic researcher for Russia and Eurasia Program of London-based “Chatham House”, Zaur Shiriyev, who in the interview with Aravot.am estimated the discussions as quite calm and respectful. “ The discussions were productive as because we talked different issues that related not only to Armenia, but also more broadly the regional and extra-regional issues. The main achievement of the conference was as a platform for knowledge and experience-sharing.
The range of perspectives and opinions were enlightening, and prompted new thinking on many issues.” Referring to the fact that Azerbaijan failed to attend the seminar, Zaur Shiriyev found it difficult to say what discussions will be held if the Azerbaijani delegation had also attended. “Because the agenda would have given rise to a more hardline discussion rather than debate. Yes, the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians were represented at the seminar, but the representation of Karabakh Azerbaijanis would entail a genuine dialogue, and, I hope, a more productive discussion. I witnessed the blame and shame game during the discussion on why Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians are not a part of the current bilateral negotiations.
There are two reasons that we should take a step back and consider the claims.” He singled out two matter in this issue: firstly, the fact that the peaceful discussions are taking place based on the Baker rules adopted in 1992, which acknowledge two main: Armenia and Azerbaijan and two interested parties: the Karabakh Armenian and Azerbaijani community. The second matter according to him is the fact that it was Armenia’s choice to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an interested party. “With the election of President Kocharyan (a Karabakh Armenian) and later Sargsyan, Armenia ended the involvement of Karabakh Armenians in the peace process. This was mutually agreed between Armenia and Azerbaijan. But this was not a decision taken by Azerbaijan. However, both Karabakh Armenians and Karabakh Azerbaijanis should be part of negotations process on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh in the context of a peaceful agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”
Ami CHICHAKYAN
