There is no military solution to this conflict: James Appathurai

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS: If a compromise solution can be agreed by the authorities on both sides, this would be a tremendous boost to Armenia and Azerbaijan as well as the wider region. The NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai spoke about this in the interview with "Armenpress". Issues regarding Armenia-NATO reciprocal relations, the participation of Armenia in peacemaking missions of NATO and the position of NATO on Safarov’s case have been discussed.

- Mr. Appathurai, Armenia tries to intensify its cooperation with NATO in the framework of few programs. How would you estimate the progress of Armenia-NATO bilateral relations in the framework of Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP)?

Armenia and NATO have developed excellent relations over the past years. Armenia is a steadfast contributor to NATO operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo. Officers from the Armenian Armed Forces, but also officials from a range of Armenian Ministries, participate every year in activities organized under the Partnership for Peace umbrella. In addition, Armenia is actively engaged in political discussions amongst NATO Allies and NATO Partners. A good example is this week's international seminar on the evolution of NATO partnerships in Yerevan, which I will attend on Monday.

- Armenia is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Does this fact anyhow affect Armenia’s relations with NATO; does it create any tension in Armenia-NATO relations?

No, I see no tension here. We do not ask our partners to choose between one or the other.

- Armenia is also involved in NATO peacekeeping missions particularly in Kosovo and Afghanistan. What is your estimate of Armenia’s contribution to these missions?

Armenia is a steadfast contributor to these operations. NATO appreciates the commitment by Armenia to provide these forces to our operations. The troops have played an outstanding role in both theatres. The experience gained during deployments abroad also serves as a catalyst for Armenia's efforts to reform its armed forces.

- After Azerbaijani axe-murderer Ramil Safarov was extradited from Hungary and released in Azerbaijan there were many opinions that NATO should forcefully condemn this fact and suspend the participation of Azerbaijan in its programs as Armenian officer Gourgen Margaryan was brutally killed during NATO courses in Budapest. What is your reaction to these comments? Is NATO ready to undertake any serious measures against Azerbaijan?

I believe the NATO Secretary General has been clear when visiting both Yerevan and Baku in early September. He expressed his deep concern about the Azerbaijan decision to pardon the Azerbaijani army officer Safarov. The act this officer committed in 2004 was a terrible crime that should not be glorified. The pardon damages trust and does not contribute to the peace process.

- After Safarov’s release the tensions in the region and particularly around Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have heated up. How do you see the prospect of the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict after Azerbaijan’s step that once again torpedoed peace talks?

There is no military solution to this conflict. However, progress on the diplomatic track is urgently needed and something which the people who, on both sides, are directly affected by this conflict deserve. Through the Minsk Group, France, Russia and the US are actively mediating. However, even these influential countries cannot be successful if the sides to the conflict do not work towards a compromise. And a compromise will mean that both sides make concessions. If a compromise solution can be agreed by the authorities on both sides, this would be a tremendous boost to Armenia and Azerbaijan as well as the wider region.