Bundestag MP informs colleagues and various organizations about Azerbaijani aggression

YEREVAN, MAY 6, ARMENPRESS. German CDU MP Albert Weiler emphasizes Germany’s role in the peaceful settlement process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Weiler is currently in Armenia on an official visit and gave an interview to “Armenpress”.

-As a bearer of European values, are you going to speak about the Azerbaijani war crimes, which it committees during the attacks and mutilated peaceful civilians and beheaded soldiers?

-I speak of this issue both with my colleagues in the Budestag, and with various factions.There are discussions around this issue. Besides, Germany is the chairing OSCE country, maybe it was Germany and our Foreign Minister Steinmeier who also had a role in balancing Russia’s and US’s interests in this conflict, and it seems like Germany succeeded in contributing to de-escalate the situation. People need to understand that consciousness is more important than strength. Consciousness and mutual understanding can do a lot more.

- People, meaning whom?

- In this case, Azerbaijan of course, the people and the country which start the aggression.

- You spoke about Germany chairing OSCE. Armenia and Minsk Group co-chair Russia consider preferable Germany’s participation in creating a mechanism for ceasefire violations investigation. Can you expect any steps in the future?

- This is being discussed, for observing or investigation groups to be established, who will be able to report the situation in the line of contact. However it is not easy to realize this, because there are interests, conflicting interests. We are discussing this; we’ll see what will happen.

- Armenia has numerously announced it is for the implementation of those mechanisms, but Azerbaijan not only refuses, but also does not accept the Minsk Group’s authority. Even non-Armenians can see that Azerbaijan tries to wreck the negotiations and take attacking steps. Doesn’t Europe see this? Doesn’t Europe understand this?

- As I said, we are working in this direction, but it is difficult, as you cannot dictate how the sides will act, how the process will go on. We are also negotiating with Azerbaijan about implementing these mechanisms.

- The verbal ceasefire agreement was reached, but anyway we still get news of killed soldiers, who were protecting their homeland. Is this an acceptable variant for Europe, and isn’t this a result of non-addressed assessments?

- I understand what you mean, however Europe’s mechanisms of pressure are limited. There is a line. In comparison I can say that Russia has bigger tools and mechanisms towards both Armenia and Azerbaijan in the region. I think if Russia and Europe reach an agreement on this issue, the result will be better. If Russia and Europe negotiate around the Nagorno Karabakh issue, it can be a very productive thing. Dialogue should be present with Russia; I think our Chancellor is acting very well in this sense, by having good negotiations with Russia. But I say again, this isn’t a matter of a week; this requires a lot of work and patience.

- Mr. Weiler, are you planning to visit Nagorno Karabakh and personally review the situation?

- Unfortunately I cannot visit this time due to my schedule, I would love to, but I have to return to Germany Saturday morning.

- Have you ever been to Nagorno Karabakh?

- I’ve been there twice; I got to know a wonderful country and very good people.