8 July 1992

Doc. 6645

1403-7/7/92-7-E

WRITTEN DECLARATION No. 221

on the situation in Azerbaijan

      The undersigned, members of the Assembly,

1.       Consider that the crisis between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a source of great concern for the peace and stability in the Transcaucausus and bears implications for regional and international security. The continuing escalation of the armed conflict in Karabag and in other parts of Azerbaijan has resulted in increased suffering and loss of life;

2.       After the occupation of Shusha and other parts of Karabag by Armenians, the crisis spread to other parts of Azerbaijan territory, Lachin and other Azeri cities have been subjected to bombardment and military occupation. A corridor has been forcefully established between Armenia and Karabag through Azeri territory. Armed clashes continue in Nahcevan;

3.       The similarities of tactics both in Bosnia and Karabag are strikingly same. The so-called "irregulars" supported by a neighbouring state occupy pieces of land to the detriment of the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Azerbaijan;

4.       On the other hand, Azerbaijan held its first democratic election on 7 June and Elçibey was elected President;

5.       Within the framework of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, efforts have been made to stop the fighting and the military occupation and to find a peaceful solution to the dispute. On 21 May 1992, the Committee of Senior Officials discussed the crisis and all members except Armenia supported a declaration which, inter alia, condemned the escalation of the conflict to other areas of Azerbaijan and rejected the creation of fait accompli by military means. They demanded respect for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and immediate withdrawal and disarming of all forces involved;

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6.       The two subsequent meetings in Rome could not adopt decisions because Armenia alone blocked the agreement. Now, a third meeting in Rome is under way;

7.       Consider that throughout the crisis, the Turkish Government adopted a balanced and fair position and acted with restraint in spite of immense public pressure on it. However, let us express our view that Armenia, by blocking the path to a peaceful solution, is sowing the seeds for long-term conflict in the Caucausus. Blinded by ephemeral territorial gains, it bears the responsibility for creating a region in turmoil for years to come;

8.       Firmly believe that our Assembly cannot and should not ignore the continuing destruction and tragic loss of human life in the region. We are concerned that, left unchecked, this conflict could tear the fabric of hard-won democratic developments in the countries of the area. If this is allowed to occur, our efforts to build a Europe based on democracy, human rights and rule of law would be endangered;

9.       Believe that the Assembly should therefore adopt a strong resolution condemning military occupation, and demanding the withdrawal of forces and respect for territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and also for creating necessary conditions for the return of displaced persons to their homes.

Signed:       DINÇERLER

GÜL

KILIÇ

GÜNER

ÖZVER

AKARCALI

DEMIRALP

TALAY

KIRATLIOGLU

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TOTAL       9