KARABAKH: VISION

“We are ready to guarantee the security of the Armenian community of . I stressed, [that] will not allow the community to face any danger”

Ilham Aliyev President of September 2005

BAKU-2011 | 2 | KARABAKH: VISION KARABAKH: VISION | 3 |

CONTENTS:

Preface 5

THE HISTORY OF AZERBAIJAN: General Information 8

KARABAKH: Historical Conditions 12

CURRENT SITUATION IN KARABAKH: Two Communities – One Vision 17

INTERNATIONAL : Legitimacy of “Unrecognized State” 23

Concluding Remarks 26 | 4 | KARABAKH: VISION KARABAKH: VISION | 5 |

Preface

The Nagorno-Karabakh region of the Repub- been top agenda item for the Government of lic of Azerbaijan is part of the geographical Azerbaijan with the following priorities: area called Garabagh (Qarabağ). The name 1) liberation of all occupied territories; consists of two Azerbaijani words: “qara” 2) return of forcibly displaced persons to (black) and “bağ” (garden).1 The geographi- their places of origin; cal area of Karabakh covers the lands from 3) establishment of long-lasting peace and the Araz River in the south to the Kur River stability in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of in the north, and from the junction of the the Republic of Azerbaijan, which willpro- Kur and Araz Rivers in the east to the eastern mote in term the peace in the entire South ranges of the Lesser in the west. Caucasus. Further continuation of such kind of pro- tracted conflicts is a major security threat in the region of South Caucasus, as one can see on the example of Five-Day war in (August 2008) that it can easily can turn into a flash fire. The , , has recently made an assessment of current condition of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: “The situation of no war, no peace, may send a wrong message that it is frozen – but it is

Refugees from the Karabakh War, frantic to get away not frozen. Peace is being provided by the Ar- 2 from the invading Armenian troops. menian army and the Azerbaijani army.” Even though the mediation efforts has con- The -Azerbaijan conflict, is one of tinued for almost 20 years and sometimes the bloodiest and long-lasting armed con- one can observe only the appearance of in- flicts in the territory of the former tensive negotiations, Azerbaijan remains Union, has resulted in the occupation of faithful to the settlement of the Armenia- roughly one-fifth of the territory of Azerbai- Azerbaijan conflict within the OSCE Minsk jan and made approximately one out of every Process. However, the success of the peace eight persons in Azerbaijan an internally dis- process depends upon a similar commitment placed person or refugee. No final resolution and constructive approach on the part of Ar- has been reached yet, but the conflict has menia, as well as on the active contribution 1 The term Nagorno-Karabakh , or “Nagorny Karabakh” is a Russian translation of the original name in of all OSCE member states, especially those — Dağlıq Qarabağ (pronounced Daghlygh Garabagh), which lit- erally means Mountainous Garabagh. In order to avoid confusion 2 “Foreign Policy Challenges for Azerbaijan,” Transcript: Presi- the widely referred terms “Nagorno-Karabakh” or “Karabakh” will dent Ilham Aliyev, Chatham House, July 13, 2009, http://www.cha- be used here, as appropriate thamhouse.org.uk/files/14383_130709aliyev.pdf | 6 | KARABAKH: VISION represented in the Minsk Group and its baijani and Armenian communities of the Co-Chairmen. Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan This brochure evaluates the Armenia- and creating the necessary conditions Azerbaijan conflict from the historical for the effective realization of their right perspective, as well as from the position of to participate in the conduct of public af- international law and prepared at a time of fairs, including through the formation of critical importance in the drive to find a legitimate regional authorities at all levels. settlement to the conflict. The Government of Azerbaijan believes The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan can- that the legal status of the Nagorno-Kara- not be a subject of compromise. Azerbai- bakh region can be worked out only with jan will not surrender an inch of its terri- the equal participation of the citizens of tory. However, Azerbaijan does not want Azerbaijan of both Azerbaijani and Arme- war and remains committed to a peaceful nian communities within the framework resolution. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan also of a lawful and democratic process. While understands that it has a full right under the realization of this perspective in the fi- international law to restore its territorial nal stage of the peace process, it is logical integrity by other means if necessary. that the whole strategy would not become a reality without the restoration of Azer- In order to veil its aggressive policy to- baijan’s sovereign rights over all occupied wards Azerbaijan, the Armenian side fre- territories and the safe and dignified re- quently speculates on the international turn of the expelled Azerbaijani popula- legal principle of self-determination. In tion thereto. truth, the practical realization of this right, as stipulated in the relevant international Once an agreement is achieved, Azerbai- documents, does not involve unilateral jan will need the international commu- secession, but represents a legitimate pro- nity to help to guarantee its realization cess carried out in accordance with inter- through the deployment of multinational national and domestic law within precise- peacekeeping forces, support for dem- ly identified limits. Obviously, the critical ining, restoration of communications factor in addressing the issue of self-de- and rehabilitation of lands, as well as the termination with regard to the conflict in provision of security guarantees for the question is that all actions aimed at tear- population in the Nagorno-Karabakh re- ing away a part of the territory of Azerbai- gion, including the creation of local police jan are unconstitutional and accompanied forces in the region for both Azerbaijani by violation of basic rules of international and Armenian communities. The Gov- law, particularly those prohibiting the use ernment of Azerbaijan is ready to assist in of force and the acquisition of territory. all possible ways with the infrastructural rebuilding and economic development of Azerbaijan’s official approach to the right the region, including the attraction of in- of self-determination derives from its true vestments at the local level. values. It envisages securing the peaceful coexistence and cooperation of the Azer- Special attention in the Armenia-Azerbai- KARABAKH: VISION | 7 | jan conflict settlement should be given to the issue of infrastructure in the region. Those who are familiar with the conflict often -en counter the notion of “corridors” or “unim- peded access.” The government of Azerbaijan suggests a policy of shifting from restricted, antagonistic understandings of the corri- dor concept to the use of all infrastructures in the region for the mutual benefit of both sides. This approach acquires particular sig- nificance with regard to the so-called “Lachin corridor,” which is important for linking both the Armenian population in the Nagorno- Karabakh region of Azerbaijan with Arme- nia, and Azerbaijan with its Autonomous Republic of Nakhichevan through the terri- tory of Armenia. The use of the Lachin road in both directions along the route Aghdam- Khankendi--Lachin-Goris-Shahbuz- Nakhichevan (with the possibility of further extension to Turkey) can provide both Azer- baijan and Armenia with guaranteed secure connections. The significance of utilizing the “Lachin corridor” in such a way goes beyond the practical benefits of direct transport com- munication between two states. This road could become a “road of peace” of great polit- ical, economic and pan-regional importance. | 8 | KARABAKH: VISION

THE HISTORY OF AZERBAIJAN: General Information

The favorable geographic and climatic find a rock with an inscription in Latin re- conditions of Azerbaijan furthered the lating to an expedition of the centurions appearance of humanity on its territory of the Roman Legion in Gobustan in the from great antiquity. The history of Azer- 1st century AD: “At the time of Emperor baijan begins in the Paleolithic era. In Domitian Caesar Augustus Germanicus the northwest of Azerbaijan, on Aveydag Lucius Julius Maximus (centurion) of the Mountain and in the caves of Azikh in Ga- Legio XII Fulminata.”3 The epigraph is

Inscription in Latin relating to an expedition of the centurions of the Roman Legion in Gobustan in the 1st century AD rabag, stone tools have been found. Aside the most distant from Rome among the from this, the lower jaw of one of the Latin ones known up to now. most ancient forms of Neanderthal man The phonetic sound of “Azerbaijan” has was found in Azikh cave. Relics from the regularly changed along the history. His- Bronze Age have been found in Khojali, torical sources reflect former names of Gadabey, Dashkesan, Ganja, Mingechevir Azerbaijan as Andirpatian, Atropatena, and Nakhchivan. Not far from Baku, in Adirbijan and Azirbijan. Gobustan, at the place of settlement of an- cient people, rock carvings about 10,000 3 Mémoires de l’Académie des Sciences, IV, 7. Information about this was given a few years later (in 1951, inscription no. years in age have survived. One also can 263) in the Année Epigraphique. KARABAKH: VISION | 9 |

Great states such as Manna, kingdom of Iskit (Skit, Skif), Atropatena and Albania appear on the lands of Azerbaijan in the 1st millen- nium BC and the 1st millennium AD. Those states played distinctive role in perfection of ruling traditions, in history of the economy and culture of the country and in formation of united nation. Zoroastrianism, or fire-worship and belief in the Sun, the Moon, the Sky, the stars, ground, Qız Qalası or “Maiden Tower,” a part of the Walled City of Baku. water etc. existed at the time. Christianity (7-6 century BC, restored in 12 century AD) since the mid 9th century, Turkic-Islamic empires increased their role in the Caucasus, in all the Near and the Middle East. States ruled by such Turkic-Islamic dynasties as Sajis, Shirvanshahs, Salaris, Ravvadis, Shad- dadis, Shaki governors, Saljugis, Eldanises, Mongols, Elkhanis-Hulakus, Chobanis, Ja- layirs, Teymuris, Osmans, Garagoyunlus, Ag-

Atashgah or “Fire Temple,” religious structure in a goyunlus, Safavis, Afshars, Qajars and others suburb of greater Baku, Azerbaijan (Zoroastrian tem- remained in the history of the state system of ple built originaly in 6th century and reconstructed Azerbaijan, of the whole South Caucasus and in the 17th-18th century) the Near and the Middle East. was widely spread in the northern part of the region, i.e. in some places of Albania, espe- cially in western mountainous regions. An in- dependent Albanian church existed together with Armenian and Georgian churches. Acceptance of Islam in the 7th century sig- nificantly changed the history of Azerbaijan, as Islam in turn created a new identity. The common religion of Turkic and non-Turkic ethic groups brought to formation the same Baku streets developing during the traditions, essentially, the widening of kin- Oil Boom (late 19th century) ship relations and the deepening of the inte- gration process in the territory of Azerbaijan. At the late 18th century, the political power of Persia was passed to the dynasty of the Qa- After the collapse of the Arabic Caliphate jars (1796-1925) of Azerbaijani origin. Their | 10 | KARABAKH: VISION main policy was to unite all the territories once ruled by their ancestors – the Gara- goyunlus, the Aggoyunlus, the Safavids, as well as the Azerbaijani khanates, under their power. This gave start to long last- ing wars between the Qajars and , aimed at occupying the Southern Cauca- sus. Azerbaijan was subsequently pressed in the middle of bloody struggle between Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) two great states. parliament (20th century) According to the Gulustan (1813) and On a wave of of 1917, Turkmanchay (1828) agreements, Azer- in March of 1918, the Dashnak-Bolshevik baijan was divided between the two em- forces under the leadership of Stepan pires. The northern part of Azerbaijan Shaumyan executed the terrible mass kill- joined Russia, while the southern pat ings and other war crimes against Azer- went to Persia ruled by the Qajar dynasty. baijanis. But the interference of Turkey This historical event determines the ori- brought victory to liberation movement gin of new political-geographical notions: in Azerbaijan. In May 28th of 1918, “Northern Azerbaijan” (or “Russian Azer- northern Azerbaijan witnessed the estab- baijan”) and “Southern Azerbaijan” (or lishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic “Iranian Azerbaijan”). Later, in 1836, Republic – the first Parliamentary Repub- Russia liquidated the independent Alba- lic in the history of the people of Azerbai- nian church, subordinated it to Armenian jan, the first democratic, legal and secular Grigorian church and thus created a fa- state in the whole East and Islamic world. vorable condition to “Grigorianization” and “Armenianization” of ancient popula- Over the 23 months of existence of the tion of Azerbaijan – the Christian Albans. Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) prior to Bolshevik occupation of Azerbai- The 20th century entered the history of jan in April 1920, the ADR succeeded in the Azerbaijani people as the period of restoring the territorial integrity of the radical changes in socio-economic, po- country, in securing the international litical and cultural life. Oil boom gave an recognition of Azerbaijan, and in estab- impetus to the emergence of Azerbaijani lishing democratic institutions, includ- middle class and millionaire mentors. ing the Parliament and the multi-party Baku turned into the world centre of oil representative government. Nevertheless, extraction and refinery yielding more than the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic fell half of the worlds and 95 % of Russia’s oil under the military attack of the Soviet extraction totals. This period witnessed Russia. Accordingly, state independency unprecedented renaissance in Azerbaijani of Northern Azerbaijan was liquidated. national consciousness. KARABAKH: VISION | 11 |

gion to Armenia, separating Azerbaijan into two disjoined parts. After the tragic events of 1918, the Azerbai- jani people had to bare another wave during Stalin era. The second wave of cleansings tar- geted the intellectual elite of people of Azer- baijan. As such, Azerbaijan remained under the influence of this process for many years, which almost depleted the intellectual po- tential and took away honorable men of our people. The North region of Azerbaijan completely turned into the Soviet state after the call of the first Soviet Conference of Azerbaijan SSR in May 6th of 1921 and adoption of Consti- tution of Azerbaijan SSR on May 19th, 1921. That period of Azerbaijani state establish- ment ended with the adoption of the Con- stitution Act on “The State Independence Central Railway Station Baku (1930) of Azerbaijan Republic” on October 18th On April 28th of 1920, in the territory of of 1991, on the eve of the fall of the USSR. Azerbaijan, the Soviet Socialist Republic of Modern Azerbaijan Republic is following the Azerbaijan (SSRA) appeared instead of the road of independent development, citizens Democratic Republic. of Azerbaijan confident that such a modern democracy will occupy the place in the world While the ethnic group or, more specifically, that it deserves, according to its past, present nationality of “Azerbaijani” was first indicat- and future. ed in the 1939 Soviet census, the formula- tion of an Azerbaijani identity started in pre- Christian Caucasian Albania and Atropatene, incorporating Islamic and Turkic elements in medieval times, to become in 1918 the first secular parliamentary democracy in the Mus- lim world. Prior to 1939, were called Turks, until Stalin decided to disassociate the Tur- kic people of the Caucasus and Central Asia from Turkey. In a similar move in the 1920s, Soviet authorities granted the Zangezur re- | 12 | KARABAKH: VISION

KARABAKH: Historical Conditions4

To understand the roots of the Armenia- Erivani and Tabrizi, when a part of the Azerbaijan conflict, it is sufficient to look Karabakhi beylerbeyyat was ruled by the upon the last two centuries for the birth representatives of the Turkic Ziyad-oglu of precursors and the creation and prog- tribe, subordinated to Kajars from 16th ress of Nagorno-Karabakh’s autonomy. In till 19th century. In the second half of the other words, it is imperative to review the 18th century Karabakh belonged to the whole period, starting from the amalga- mation of entire South Caucasus to Rus- sia, up to the modern times. From 4th century B.C. to 8th century A.D. the territory of the current Nagorno- Karabakh region of Azerbaijan was one of the provinces of Caucasian Albania, the most ancient state of Northern Azerbai- jan. After the fall of the independent Al- banian state, Karabakh being inseparable from Azerbaijan both geographically and politically, was a part to the Azerbai- jani state of Sajids, in 10th - to the state of Salarids, and in 11-12th centuries - to the state of Sheddadids. During 12-13th centuries Karabakh constituted part of the Atabey-Ildenizids state, in the second half of the 13th century- beginning of 15th century, during the existence of the Mongolian Khalugoid state – part of the Jalairds’ state. In the 15th century it exist- ed within the states of Gharagounlou and Aghgounlou, and during 16th and 17th Map of Azerbaijani khanates (kingdoms) in centuries Karabakh, as a part of the Kara- early 19th century bakh beylerbeyyat (duchy), was within the Sefevi state. The latter consisted of 4 beylerbeyyats: Shirvani, Karabakhi, khanate (principality) and along whit the latter was incorporated into Russia. All 4 This section is based on research papers by Dr Adil Ba- through the 19th century, re- guirov, Dr. Javid Huseynov, and Dr Namig Aliyev KARABAKH: VISION | 13 | mained a minority on the territories of Kara- owned lands and bought for them private bakh and present-day Armenia despite their lands from Muslims for more than 2 million active relocation from Ottoman and Persian rubles. The mountainous part of Elizabeth- domains after the Russian conquest. At the pol province and shores of Lake Geokcha time of incorporation of Karabakh Khanate [present Sevan] are now populated by these to Russia (May 14, 1805) Armenian inhabit- Armenians. It should be noted that in addi- ants of the region consisted only one-fifth of tion to officially transferred 124000 -Arme the whole community. By studying the data nians a lot of other Armenians moved un- in “A Record on Karabakh Province in 1823 officially, so their total score goes well over collected by a civil servant, Mogilevsky, and a 200000 people.”6 colonel, Ermolov (Tiflis, 1866),” Already, in the XIX century, possible out- “…. Karabakh Khanate consisted of 90,000 comes of such relocations and radical chang- people, one city and over 600 villages, from es in the ethnic composition of population of which only 150 were Armenian ones. Around territories have raised awareness of both the 1948, Azerbaijani families and approximate- indigenous populations of the region as well ly 474 Armenian families resided in Shusha. as of the influential parts of Russian political In villages 120902 and 4331 respectively.”5 establishment. For example, famous Russian [emphasis added] diplomat and poet Griboyedov (also direct- By studying the historical documents, one can see the process of relocation of Armenians to the South Caucasus including Karabakh during the course of Russian-Persian wars of 1804 – 1813 and 1826 – 1828 and in the following period of time. Official data shows that major parts of the resettles got relocated specifically in Karabakh. N. N. Shavrov writes in his 1911 book titled A new danger for the Russian affair in ; Impending Interior paintings of battle scenes of Khan’s Palace sale of Mughan to foreigners, that: in Sheki, Azerbaijan (18th century) “… From 1828 to 1830 we have moved to ly connected with the Turkmenchay Peace [the] South Caucasus more than 40000 Treaty that divided Azerbaijan in two parts) Persian- and 84000 Turkish-Armenians and notes that: settled them on the best state owned lands of Elizabethpol and Erivan provinces where “In addition we (prince Arguntskiy and my- Armenian population was less than low, and self) thoroughly discussed the incitement to provided them with 200000 tenths of state- present to Muslims in order to settle them

5 See: A Record on Karabagh Province in 1823 collected by a 6 See: Shavrov N.N. A new danger for the Russian affair in civil servant, Mogilevsky, and a colonel, Ermolov (Tiflis, 1866), Transcaucasia; Impending sale of Mughan to foreigners. Baku, State Archive of of the Republic of Azerbaijan, f. 21, 24—1, № 117 1990. | 14 | KARABAKH: VISION with the present aggravation, that will be with autonomy. , a pow- short-lasting, and to eradicate their fears erful ethnically Armenian Soviet official that Armenians will keep their lands, to and right-hand of Stalin, in his report to which they were allowed for the first time, the chairman of C.C., R.C.P.(B.) Vladimir forever-on.”7 Lenin on 22 May 1919, wrote: “Dashnaks Upon the fall of the , – agents of the Armenian government, are in 1918-20, the territory of Nagorno- trying to connect Karabakh to Armenia. Karabakh was under the control of the But for the population of Karabakh that would mean to lose their source of life in Baku and link up with Irevan. With which [meaning Irevan/] they were never and in no way linked together.”8 Then, in August of 1920, in the letter by the chairman of Azerbaijan Revolution- ary Committee (AzRevCom), , and such Armenian members of the body as abovementioned Anastas Fourth Cabinet of Ministers of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan Mikoyan and A.Narijanyan, addressed to (March 14, 1919 - December 22, 1919) the (Minister) of Foreign Af-

Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, whose authority over Karabakh was officially recognized by the Allied powers. After the establishment of the Azerbaijan SSR in 1921, the Bolshevik Caucasus Bureau (often shortened to KavBuro) voted to not to incorporate but to retain Nagorno- Karabakh in Azerbaijan.

In a declaration of then Soviet government 11 th Soviet Red Army occupied Baku, in Azerbaijan, from 1 December 1920, it (April 28, 1920) was stated that: “… working peasants of Na- gorno-Karabakh have a full right to self-de- fairs in , Chicherin, and to Ord- termination.” The idea of giving Nagorno- zhonikidze, another powerful Bolshevik Karabakh the right to self-determination and senior member of the Caucasus Bu- was debated in the party and Soviet circles. reau of the CC RCP(b), in Vladikavkaz, With passing time formed a view that there wrote: “As to the supposedly disputed was a need to present Nagorno-Karabakh Zangezur and Karabakh, already part of Soviet Azerbaijan, we categorically de- 7 A.S.Griboyedov. 2-volumed works. II volume, Moscow, 8 Central Party Archive of the Institute of -Leninism 1971, p. 341 of the CC CPSU (Moscow), f. 461, op. 1, report #45252, p. 1. KARABAKH: VISION | 15 | clare, that these lands must indisputably re- (NKAR) is part of Azerbaijan SSR.11 9 main as part of Azerbaijan henceforth.” According to article 86 of the Constitution of USSR of 1977, an autonomous region is located within the composition of union republic or territory (krai). Law on au- tonomous region was adopted by the High Council of Union Republics brought by the Council of People’s Representatives of au- tonomous region. Article 87 of the Constitu- tion mentioned only eight such autonomous Azerbaijani town (present day Khankendi) (Soviet Era) On 5 July 1921, Plenum of Caucasus Bu- reau C.C. (Caucasus Bureau of the Central Committee), taking into account the view of C.C., R.C.P.(B.), came to a decision: “Acknowledging the need of national peace between Muslims and Armenians and eco- nomical ties of upper and lower Karabakh Azerbaijani town Agdam (Soviet Era) and its constant connection with Azerbai- jan, Nagorno-Karabakh shall remain in the regions in USSR, and among them NKAR as boundaries of Azerbaijan SSR and shall en- a part of Azerbaijan SSR.12 joy wide regional autonomy with regional From the first years Nagorno-Karabakh Au- center in Shusha city, that is a part of au- 10 tonomous Region saw considerable reforms tonomous region.” On 7 July 1923, the in the economic, social and cultural spheres. Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast Along with Ganja and Nakhichevan, Karabakh (NKAO) was established in the moun- was defined as the region of priority tempos for tainous part of Karabakh, where majority industrialization in the republic. Special atten- of population was Armenian. The town of tion was paid to the firm observance of the pro- Khankandi was defined as the administra- portionality of the national composition of all tive centre of the autonomy. In September the elective organs with the population’s ethnic 1923, the name of the town was changed composition in the region. There were also 136 to Stepanakert after Stepan Shaumian, secondary schools, in which the teaching lan- dashnak, and bolshevik leader. The Con- guage was Armenian (16,120 students), and stitution of USSR of 1936 provided that 13 inter-ethnic schools (7,045 students) in Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region NK region of Azerbaijan. As such, there were 9 Central State Archive of of Azerbaijan SSR altogether 181 Armenian secondary schools (Baku), f. 410, op. 2, d. 69, pp. 181-187. 10 See: Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History (Mos- 11 See: article 24 of the Constitution of USSR of 1936 cow), f.64, op. 2, d.1, p.118, 121-122.] 12 See: Constitution of USSR, 1977, p. 13 | 16 | KARABAKH: VISION

(20,712 students) and 29 inter-ethnic flict, that the economy of the NK autono- schools (12,766 students) in Azerbaijan in mous region, if taken separately, was actu- the academic year 1988-1989. In the town ally better overall than in both Azerbaijan of Khankendi (formerly Stepanakert) there and Armenia, and even all of USSR. In was a State Pedagogical Institute with over fact, from the point of economic develop- 2,130 students, mainly Armenians, annu- ment, the NK region in Azerbaijan was ally attending its Armenian, Azerbaijani second only to the Absheron region and and Russian departments. In addition, its city in Baku, the capital – ahead of other there were dozens of technical colleges and nearly 60 regions of the country. The meet- vocational training schools in NK working ing was chaired by the academician Tigran in the Armenian and Russian languages.13 S. Khachaturov, a prominent Armenian Apart from that, all the ruling positions in economist sent from Moscow, and the fol- autonomy were occupied by the ethnic Ar- lowing ethnic Armenian high-level officials menians; it was ordinary for ethnic Arme- of Azerbaijan SSR reported: A.Ayriyan, nians to occupy ruling posts in central bod- Minister of Timber and Wood-processing ies of Azerbaijan SSR of Azerbaijan, L.Davidyan, deputy head of On 16 June 1981, the last act was asserted the Department of Construction and Ur- towards the status of Nagorno-Karabakh ban Management of the Azerbaijan CPCC, and A. Pogosova, deputy department chief, as the autonomous region in the boundar- 14 ies of Azerbaijan SSR – Law of Azerbaijan State Planning Committee (Gosplan). SSR “On Nagorno-Karabakh Autono- By the end of the 80’s and the beginning of mous Region.” The autonomy’s status was the 90’s, Azerbaijan experienced specific determined by the Constitution of USSR, difficulties connected to the destruction of the Constitution of SSR and by the afore- ruling socio-economic formation, similar mentioned law. to other states that were in the USSR,. In Regarding the early claims that the econo- this situation, it was popular to use nation- my of NKAR was supposedly deliberately al issues to achieve separatist goals (in our neglected by Soviet Azerbaijani authori- case even goals of annexation). Taking into ties to both “punish” and “root out” Arme- account the guarantees to the autonomy nians; this, allegedly, left no choice than for provided by the law and supported by ac- Armenian separatism and military action. tual situation of its national minority, the Ironically, this argument did not stand the demands of independence and breaking test. Authoritative ethnically Armenian out from frontiers of Azerbaijan were con- Soviet economists maintained in a March sidered as provocation directed against its 1988 government meeting, which was at state sovereignty and territorial integrity. the start of the Armenia-Azerbaijan con- As the result of this, autonomy of Nagorno- Karabakh was abolished in 1991. 13 Council of Europe, ACFC/SR (2002) 1, Report Submitted By Azerbaijan Pursuant To Article 25, Paragraph 1 Of The 14 “Expert Contrasts Armenia, Azerbaijan Development,” Framework Convention For The Protection Of National Mi- FBIS-translated item WA182000106, Baku, “Bakinskiy Rabo- norities, (received on 4 June 2002). chiy” newspaper, in Russian, (11 March 1988), pp. 2-3. KARABAKH: VISION | 17 |

CURRENT SITUATION IN KARABAKH: Two Communities – One Vision

lated documents and decisions of the organi- zation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); or for Azerbaijan to start to talking with the language of force, and remove invad- ers from the occupied regions of Azerbaijan: Nagorno-Karabakh in addition to the seven adjacent regions of Lachin, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadli and Jabrail. The disastrous results of this hostility are not limited to the occupation of Azerbaijani ter- Map of the Armenian Agression 1988-1993 ritory. The strategy of terror against Azerbai- To simplify the current situation and un- jani people raised at the level of Armenian derstand the lack of progress toward resolu- state policy has damaged also Azerbaijani tion of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, one history, culture, religious monuments, to- should understand both sides: Armenia has ponims and other values. been talking to Azerbaijan with the rhetoric of force and to impose a fait-accompli based solution, while Azerbaijan has been doing so with the language of law and has tried to find a creative solution with the respect for the ter- ritorial integrity and inviolability of the inter- nationally-recognized borders of Azerbaijan, and the peaceful coexistence of Armenian and Azerbaijani communities in the Nagorno- Karabakh region, fully and equally enjoying the benefits of democracy and prosperity. “We Are Our Mountains” sculpture, completed in The common language will be reached only if 1967 by Sargis Baghdasaryan, ouscirts of the both sides start to talk on a same level. It Azerbaijani town Khankendi is time – either for Armenia to start using the The Republic of Armenia, while violating language of law and to comply with the United requirements of international documents, Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions continues to vandalize and annihilate Azer- 15 822, 853, 874 and 884, as well as in the re- baijan’s cultural wealth before the eyes of the 15 UN Security Council resolutions were adopted in 1993 in re- world. More than 100.000 cultural monu- sponse to the occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan and reaf- firmed the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the ments were destroyed, as well as more than international borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan. | 18 | KARABAKH: VISION

500 cultural and 100 archaeological mon- tuals to the country’s cultural and enlight- uments and 22 museums were ruined in enment movement. the result of occupation. Armenia blames Azerbaijan for increas- Besides the material cultural monuments, ing its military budget and for violat- Armenian nationalists regularly and sys- ing arms limitation norms. At the same tematically misappropriate the Azerbai- time, it omits the fact that annual defense jani folklore, music, literature, and ex- spending of Azerbaijan remains in line amples of different cultural heritage thus, with overall budget increases and that the extend the occupation policies up to the size of the armed forces of Azerbaijan are level of cultural values. Appeal in this re- proportional to its population, territory gard was addressed to the International and length of borders.16 Armenia also Organization of Intellectual Property. passes over in silence that the arms con- Another fact – Azerbaijan’s educational trol mechanism is not in force in the oc- system, one of the best in a wider region, cupied territories of Azerbaijan and that has also suffered from the Armenian ag- it deploys, beyond international control, a gression. Established in December of great number of armaments and ammuni- 1830, secondary school № 1 of Shusha be- tions in these territories. came the first civil educational facility not Taking advantage of the favorable results of only in the region, but whole East and Is- military actions, Armenia is trying to con- lamic world. Unfortunately, when the town solidate the current status quo and impose a fait accompli situation (“an accomplished fact”) through measures aimed at prevent- ing the expelled Azerbaijani population from returning to their places of origin. Such measures include, among the others, continuing illegal settlement practices and economic activities in the occupied territo- ries accompanied by serious and system- atic interference with property rights.

Agdam. Currently a ruinous and almost In 1992, a mission of the Conference uninhabited “ghost town.” on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE, precursor to the OSCE) headed of Shusha fell to Armenian armed forces on by then-U.S. Secretary of State James Bak- 8 May 1992, the school had to relocate to er, worked out the so-called Baker Rules, Baku where it remains to this day. which were agreed to by all sides of the Just this school since its foundation has conflict. Those rules recognized the two made a great contribution to bringing up 16 See, e.g., Azerbaijan: Defence Sector Management and progressive, new generations of intellec- Reform, International Crisis Group policy briefing No. 50, 29 October 2008, p. 5. KARABAKH: VISION | 19 | communities of Nagorno-Karabakh as “in- The so-called “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic” terested parties,” and Armenia and Azerbai- (NKR) is an unjustly established monoeth- jan as “principal parties.” nic Armenian entity in the Caucasus. It is not In this context, one could only welcome the independent, as it cannot sustain itself with- ideas about participation of Nagorno-Kara- out the existence of its sponsor, Armenia. bakh Armenian community representatives But most importantly, it was established af- at the negotiating table. Unfortunately, many ter the exodus of one ethnic group forced analysts stopped short of mentioning the eth- by another. The self-proclaimed “NKR of- ficials” cannot speak on behalf of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, because one-third of them were stripped of the right to choose their leaders due to their ethnicity. Therefore, Azerbaijan – along with all reputable orga- nizations including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE – consid- ers the “NKR elections” and “NKR officials” illegitimate. Moreover, in the words of then- U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Elizabeth Jones, these “NKR officials” constitute “crim- inal secessionists.”19 At present, Armenia’s military occupation of the region precludes the much-desired partici- pation of Nagorno-Karabakh’s ethnic Arme-

Agdam’s mosque having escaped the worst of the nian community in the peace process, because damage during the war is currently used as a cattle the region’s ethnic Azerbaijanis were stripped shed by the occupying force of Armenia of this right. Lasting peace in Nagorno-Kara- bakh cannot be achieved without a return of nic Azerbaijani community that, prior to the the region’s ethnic Azerbaijani population and 1988 conflict, comprised one-third of Nago- 17 their harmonious coexistence with the eth- rno-Karabakh’s population and 99 percent nic Armenian community. Furthermore, to of the population of seven other adjacent dis- 18 reestablish the much-needed trust between tricts of Azerbaijan currently occupied by the two nations, it is important for both Ar- Armenian forces. menians and Azerbaijanis to refrain from any

17 The 1989 all-Union population census. [Vsesoyuznaya hostile, derogatory, or inflammatory rhetoric. perepis’ naseleniya 1989 g.] Vestnik Statistiki, No. 1, 1991. 63-78 pp. Moscow, USSR. In Rus. Selected results of the 1989 Soviet 19 ANCA Press Release, “ANCA criticizes State Department state- census are presented concerning the Georgian, Azerbaijan, Lithu- ment describing the Nagorno Karabagh republic as ‘criminal se- anian, Moldavian, and Latvian republics. Data are included on the cessionists.’ Incendiary Remarks by Assistant Secretary of State population of each republic by ethnic group (nationality), first Jones Undermine the Karabagh Peace Process,” Washington D.C., language, and other languages spoken. (January 18, 2005), http://www.anca.org/press_releases/press_re- 18 Ibid leases.php?prid=698 | 20 | KARABAKH: VISION

Secondly, Azerbaijan has consistently of- have unimpeded access to Armenia via fered – during all the period of negotia- the corridor. All the communications in tions, from the 1990s until today – that it the region will be opened. Then full-scale is ready to grant the highest possible level regional cooperation can happen. All the of autonomy for those who live in Nago- sides and all the countries of the Caucasus rno-Karabakh, within the framework of will only benefit from that. the sovereign Azerbaijani state. It is highly unlikely that Nagorno-Kara- At the same time Azerbaijan also under- bakh will ever be recognized as an inde- stands the concern of Armenia about a land pendent country: the territory inside a connection between Armenia and Nago- sovereign Azerbaijani state, with very rno-Karabakh, about security guarantees, small population, cannot be independent. about peacekeeping operations. It is ready The fact that it was not recognized so far, by any country – including Armenia – is a clear indication that independence is not possible. Azerbaijan will never agree to such a peace plan that would predeter- mine the independent status of Nagorno- Karabakh. This is completely out of ques- tion. The p roposals of the OSCE Minsk Group clearly indicate that there is no mechanism of secession or independence. Instead, what can be achieved is peace and Girl, member of Armenian community of Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. peaceful coexistence between the Arme- Shusha, after occupation. nian and Azerbaijani communities of in a constructive manner to address these Nagorno-Karabakh. Both communities issues. Some of them are already agreed lived together in peace in the past and will and we need to continue this process. continue to live side by side. Peace in the region will bring numerous Azerbaijan’s economy is certainly part of advantages to everyone. Azerbaijan will the dynamic of Azerbaijani diplomacy. restore its territorial integrity and citizens Azerbaijan recognizes the need of state of Azerbaijan will have an opportunity revenues to benefit all citizens of Azerbai- to live in their own country, in the places jan (including Armenian and Azerbaijani where their ancestors lived. Armenia will communities of Nagorno-Karabakh, as put an end to the occupation policy and to well as all the regions of Azerbaijan). This the image of a country that occupies the recognition takes part while Armenia, sovereign territory of another country. At tarnished by lost economic opportuni- the same time Nagorno-Karabakh, which ties, while economic migration to Russia is situated inside Azerbaijan and never and the West has arguably decreased the had any connections with Armenia, will population in half, and “NKR” suffering KARABAKH: VISION | 21 | from severe under-employment, increasingly bigger than Armenia’s $8.8 billion. Economic depending on “external” support, particularly development, along with visionary policies, from Armenian Diaspora groups in the West has helped Azerbaijan to fully develop – not and from so-called “inter-state” loans from only its capital city, but its provinces to enjoy Armenia. rapid growth. Sometimes Azerbaijan’s eco- The problem is that, even if with the demise nomic performance is linked to oil and oil of the in 1991, Armenia gained prices, but this is not exactly the case as oil is independence, and has become the second- being produced by some of our neighboring largest per capita U.S. aid recipient in the world as of current, thanks to a very large and influential Armenian-American community. Unfortunately, then another set of problems arise – negative impacts of this increased aid exist. Studies show, that this is true in most cases. Regrettably, it is perfectly reasonable to conclude that the biggest impact of official aid on financially undeveloped countries in recent decades has been the certain condi- Vineyard of village of Ivanovka, Ismailly District, Azerbaijan. Home for the descendants of Russian tions attached to it. Changes in trade rules, Molokans that departed there in the reign of bad privatizations, and the liberalization of Empress Catherine II financial flows may well have had a more seri- ous negative impact than the benefits of more countries as well even in much bigger quan- cash in hand. Aid does, and most probably, tities. The economic development of Azer- continues to retard Armenia’s institutional baijan’s regions where oil is not produced is development, with most evidence suggesting a clear indicator of diversification of the na- that countries receiving aid have less of an in- tional economy. centive to raise taxes, perhaps the fundamen- This diversification supporting private entre- tal step that developing countries need to preneurship and economic reforms allows make, both to increase the resources available Azerbaijan not to depend solely on oil and to the public sector to finance development gas. That was one of the major objectives: to and to improve governments’ accountability reduce this dependence and to create a strong to their citizens. In this light, the significance economy which can be sustainable in periods of economic forces in the South Caucasus of crisis and low oil price or even reduction and components of the Armenia-Azerbaijan of production. conflict dynamic are worth unpacking. Social issues were also seriously addressed: Azerbaijani economy accounts for some 75 the reduction of poverty is one of the biggest per cent of the total economy of the South achievements in Azerbaijan. It also shows Caucasus. Its gross domestic product (GDP) that the oil wealth is being distributed in a for 2010 was $52.1 billion, almost six times just manner. Azerbaijan’s re forms were no- | 22 | KARABAKH: VISION

Azerbaijan has a diversified supply infra- structure: seven pipelines – three for oil, four for gas –can transport oil and gas in various directions. Billions of dollars were invested in production. Reserves which have been discovered will allow Azerbai- jan to be a reliable supplier of gas to in- ternational markets for at least 100 years. But for Azerbaijan, diversification means not only the ability to realize energy po- Schoolgirls in Lagich, historical village tential. For example, Joint Declaration on founded in IV century. Gas Delivery for Europe, signed by the ticed by the World Bank, which ranked Azerbaijan the top reformer in the world in 2008 in the Doing Business project (project provides objective measures of business regulations for local firms in 183 economies and selected cities at the sub- national level). Political and economic reforms in Azer- baijan are conducted in parallel to each other. Energy policy was a crucial part of vision and will continue to play an impor- Sunset on a Caspian shore. Present day tant role. Already not only in Azerbaijan but around Azerbaijan, oil and gas proj- ects which were implemented by us today President of the European Commission is a solid foundation for future energy de- José Manuel Barroso and the President velopments in the world. Azerbaijan was of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in January of the first country to invite foreign investors 2011, is an important step in the realiza- to the ; oil and gas fields which tion of the Southern Gas Corridor and output more and more; pipelines which the diversification of Europe’s energy were created as a result of this investment. supplies. Azerbaijan is quite aware that A favorable investment climate in Azer- diversification means the possibility of baijan, attracting increasing amount of in- forecasting for countries unable to sup- vestment into non-energy sector became ply themselves with energy. It means their the reality due to the vision and wisdom energy security for citizens and industries of Azerbaijan’s national leader Heydar Ali- and reduced the risk of energy dependen- yev, who initiated the signing of the “Con- cy, removes the threat of “energy weapon,” tract of the Century” in 1994. aimed to influence European foreign and economic policies. KARABAKH: VISION | 23 |

INTERNATIONAL LAW: Legitimacy of “Unrecognized State”

Here are several trivial thoughts on “legiti- 638 BC–559 BC) have seen the law as a com- macy of unrecognized states” on post-soviet bination of right and power. While regarding territories. In the base of legitimacy of any the differences between right and law afore- state lies its legal system. Legitimate process of forming of the will of the nation and legis- lation process based on it – are the necessary and determining qualities of state-building. Only after that can we speculate about- le gitimacy of the state. Let us try to deal with the “legal systems” of unrecognized states on post-soviet territories. We will prove that to- day they contain no law, no legal system and therefore their so-called “legitimacy” is not- hing but a myth. To substantiate the first thesis we have to re- fer to the essence of the law itself. In Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome substance of hu- man rights was linked with the antique po- lis that was able to develop and later to pass Azerbaijani refugees and IDP’s from the Karabakh. enormous spiritual values, ideas of citizens- Early 90’s hip and democracy to further generations.20 Law itself and the rights of individuals – mentioned construction also included the members of polis, according to the antique understanding of the law of the polis in the concepts come not from power, rather from sense of common form and recognized me- divine order of justice. Both law itself and asure of official acknowledgement and exp- the rights of individuals cannot exist witho- ression of rights of the members of the polis. ut common norms of behavior that reflect Such a universality of law expresses the de- identical measure of allowed and prohibited, mand of legal equality: all the citizens are equal measure of freedom for all the subjects. equally enjoying the protection of law and Where there is no equal measure (common are bound by its obligatory norms.22 What norms, equal grids) – there is no law.21 Fa- can we notice, for example, in the so-called mous civil servant and legislator, one of the “NKR”? Armenian community of Nagorno- “seven sages” of Ancient Greece – Solon (c. Karabakh (that is a part of Azerbaijan

20 See: Utchenko S.L. Political theory of ancient Rome Moscow 22 See: Aristotle and Lindsay, A. D. and Ellis, William, A treatise 1977, p.41 on government : translated from the Greek of Aristotle / by Wil- 21 See: Human rights in international and state law. Ed. R.M. liam Ellis with an introduction by A.D. Lindsay J.M. Dent & Sons ; Valeyev. Kazan: 2004 p.9 E.P. Dutton, London ; Toronto : New York : 1931 | 24 | KARABAKH: VISION

Republic)23 refuses to comply with the nized as states in the first place. In theory of the Azerbaijan Republic – that is a and history of state and law there are se- state recognized by the international com- veral scientific schools and theories that munity; with the support of the armed explain the origins and nature of the state. forces of the Republic of Armenia that in- In the variety of such theories contempo- vaded parts of the territory of Azerbaijan rary science recognizes two of them as the Republic it banishes Azerbaijani commu- main and most popular ones: natural law nity from the Nagorno-Karabakh; invades other territories that are neighboring to Nagorno-Karabakh, banishes hundreds of thousands Azerbaijanis from them and goes on to build a “democratic” state with “democratic legal and election systems”!? What is the essence of such legal system that covers territories that were left clear of the most part of the indigenous popula- tion? By the way, the size of the most part of the indigenous population today is six times larger than what is left of Armenian Azerbaijani town Shusha after occupation by Armenian military. Present day community there. As one can see, “law- building” in “NKR” is in breach of the es- theory (also know in academic literature as sential principles of law: justice, equality social contract theory or theory of contrac- and freedom without which it is impos- tual origins of state and law) and violence sible to form a democratic legal system. theory, that argues that the main moving When it comes to the second thesis, one force of the states creation is in invasion, vi- can note a very interesting case. Any law olence and enslavement by someone. It is student learns in his first days of school that worth mentioning that the legal-historical there is no law without state and that the- analysis can show the power of arguments re is no state without law. It is obvious that of both of these theories. in order for norms that regulate livehood In modern world new states creation – is in the unrecognized states to be regarded a process and happening that are unfavo- as legal, these “entities” should be recog- rable in the international community and

23 UN Security Council passed four subsequent resolutions thus in practice they are not really com- 822, 853, 874, 884 in April-November, 1993, expressing dis- mon. Such process took place in the first content and calling Armenian occupying forces to withdraw part of the 90’s of the last century when from occupied territories and allow return of Azerbaijani refugees. On March 14, 2008, the UN General Assembly re- the dissolution of the USSR brought 15 iterated its position on territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and new independent states to the world; new illegal occupation on part of Armenia by adopting resolution A/62/L.42 calling for immediate, complete and unconditional states appeared on the map instead of withdrawal of Armenian forces “from all the occupied ter- Czechoslovak Socialist Republic and with ritories of the Republic of Azerbaijan.” Source: http://www. Germany united. Despite the dramatic un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=25986&Cr=general& Cr1=assembly events that accompanied such processes, KARABAKH: VISION | 25 | in the basis of new independent states legal forcefully, when one of the side agrees under contract was laid (in one or another legitima- power of arms, such contract cannot be of te form) – that is an agreement on creation of such states, that were recognized by the international community. Such processes al- lowed moving in the civilized way from state- like entities, built by the power of arms in a way of violence, invasion and enslavement (USSR, SFRY, CSSR) to the independent states, created on the basis of voluntary cont- ract and thus recognized by the other democ- ratic states. At the same period of time, other events have taken place. Certain forces, while using democratic processes in the aforemen- Azerbaijani town Shusha after occupation by tioned territories, strived to create new states Armenian military. Present day through violent ways of border changes (thus breaking the principles of territorial integrity legal nature and by definition is legally null, and inviolability of borders) covering it all sooner or later to be breached and abolished. with democratic and nationalistic slogans. It will always be the source of instability in However there is no legal contract that would one or the other region. The fact of internati- be recognized by the international commu- onal recognition of the state that was created nity and the reason is obvious: contemporary through the occupation of the territory of the international community does not regard vi- other state can be thought in the world to be olence as a way or method for the creation of a and can lead to the unpredictab- a new state. le consequences for the whole international Creation of the new state in modern democ- community. It is no mere coincidence that ratic world is possible only on the basis of the none of the aforementioned entities was ever legal contract, when a voluntary agreement recognized by any state in the world, not even is reached by all of the interested sides. Fol- by the Republic of Armenia. lowing the context, one international docu- Refusal of Armenian community of Kara- ment should be regarded. Namely the “Decla- bakh (that is a part of Azerbaijan Republic) ration on the Guidelines on the Recognition to comply with the laws of the Azerbaijan of the New States in Eastern Europe and in Republic – that is a state recognized by the the Soviet Union” of European Community international community – simultaneously of 16 December 1991, that acknowledges unconstitutional, illegal, and contradictory among other things “respect for the invi- move. The position of the international com- olability of all frontiers which can only be munity and most importantly of the five changed by peaceful means and by common permanent members of the UN Security agreement.”24 If the borders are changed Council has been the same for all this time – Nagorno-Karabakh is a constituent part of 24 See: International Legal Materials, 1992, № 31, pp. 1486-1487, at p. 1487 the Republic of Azerbaijan. | 26 | KARABAKH: VISION

Concluding Remarks

Although the mediation efforts conduct- cupation and ethnic cleansing must be ed for a long time within the framework eliminated. Unjustified delay on the- re of the OSCE have not always been consis- turn of territories can complicate the al- tent and have yet to yield results, Azerbai- ready difficult settlement process. jan continues to be committed to solving Secondly, the Azerbaijani Community of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict peace- the Nagorno-Karabakh should return to fully and in a constructive manner. their homes as it was before the outbreak The strategy of the government of Azer- of the conflict. It is clear that the status baijan is aimed at the liberation of all oc- may only be defined through the direct cupied territories, the return of the forc- participation of both Azerbaijani and Ar- ibly displaced population to the places of menian communities, living side-by-side their origin, and the establishment of du- in Nagorno-Karabakh. rable peace and stability in the Nagorno- Thirdly, a regime of interaction between Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. the central authorities of Azerbaijan and The ultimate objective of the settlement local authorities of both communities of process is to elaborate and define the the Nagorno-Karabakh region of the Re- model and legal framework of the status public of Azerbaijan must be established, of the Nagorno-Karabakh region within until the new legal status of the self-rule the internationally recognized borders of for the region is elaborated. Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan believes that the process of definition of any status shall Another important element is the reha- take place in normal peaceful conditions bilitation and economic development of with direct, full and equal participation of the region. This step is essential for the the entire population of the region, name- process of normalization, peaceful coex- ly the Armenian and Azerbaijani commu- istence and cooperation between the two nities, and in their constructive interac- communities. It should include restora- tion with the government of Azerbaijan, tion and development of economic links exclusively in the framework of a lawful between the two communities, as well as and democratic process. between the central authorities of Azer- baijan and its Nagorno-Karabakh region, A number of important steps have to be restoration and opening of the commu- taken to reach a stage where the parties nications for mutual use by both sides concerned can start to consider the self- in both directions. This will in particular rule status for the Nagorno-Karabakh re- provide a connection with Armenia for gion within Azerbaijan. the Armenian population of the Nagorno- Firstly, the consequences of military oc- Karabakh region, and for Azerbaijan with KARABAKH: VISION | 27 | its Autonomous Republic of Nakhichevan, consequences of breaches of the rule of law through the Lachin road. and human rights, or, in other words, preva- The fifth element entails cooperation- be lence of force over justice. Asking Azerbaijan tween the two communities in the humani- to make peace with Armenia under these tarian sphere, including the implementation conditions is like requesting a person who of special programs on education and toler- has been backstabbed to extend a hand of ance. friendship to a perpetrator of the crime while the knife is still in his back. As for the implementation of the peace agree- ment to be signed between Armenia and While being committed to the peaceful set- Azerbaijan, it will be guaranteed by the com- tlement of the conflict, Azerbaijan, however, mitments undertaken by the two sides under will never compromise its territorial integrity the Agreement, and by relevant international and thus accept a fait-accompli based solu- guarantees, including those by the great pow- tion, which the Armenian side is trying to ers and international organizations. impose. As a result, Armenia will be exposed to various pressures because of such attitude Though, it is obvious that the success of the and this position in the region will open Ar- peace process depends on the constructive menia to outside intercession that Armenia is approaches of both sides, as well as on the not ready to deal with. active contribution of the international com- munity, especially the OSCE Minsk Group The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict can only be and its Co-Chairmen. solved on the basis of respect for the territo- rial integrity and inviolability of the interna- However, it is very difficult to hope for a sub- tionally-recognized borders of Azerbaijan, stantial breakthrough based on the position on and peaceful coexistence of Armenian and which Armenia currently persists. Indeed, the Azerbaijani communities in the Nagorno- military actions against Azerbaijan were aimed Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbai- from the very beginning at seizing the territo- jan, fully and equally enjoying the benefits of ries by means of force and the fundamental democracy and prosperity. change of their demographic composition. Therefore, it is for the purpose of unilateral secession that Armenia wants to retain con- trol over some occupied districts surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, prevents the displaced Azerbaijani population from returning to their homes and thus excludes equal consideration of the opinions of both communities. It is clear that this approach of Armenia can- not serve as a sound basis for Armenia-Azer- baijan conflict resolution. To argue other- wise would be tantamount to accepting the | 28 | KARABAKH: VISION

KARABAKH: VISION Circulation: 500 Order: 086