POLITICS
CONGRESSMAN DAN BARTON CALLS HIS COLLEAGUE TO TAKE NEUTRAL STANCE IN NAGORNO KARABAKH QUESTION
Speaking at the House of Representatives, Dan Barton said some of his colleagues try to lay the blame on Azerbaijani side. Supporting the rights of the population of Nagorno Karabakh to self-determination, they even acknowledge its efforts ‘by ignoring animosity of Azerbaijan, to construct in this historical Armenian territory democracy and market economy”.
Dan Barton reminded that Nagorno Karabakh has never been a part of Armenia. Distortion of the mentioned fact and to put responsibility for the Nagorno Karabakh problem on Azerbaijan complicates peaceful settlement of the conflict. The Congressman also noted that the United States officially recognizes neither Nagorno Karabakh, as an independent state, nor its government. Such policy in the past was pursued by the government of Clinton, and now - by Bush Administration. It is necessary to make it invariable so that any attempt to exert pressure or change neutral position will lead only to approval of artificial peace.
Congressman Barton regretfully noted that though on the threshold of the G8 Summit, it was stated that for support of the peace negotiations of the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, they would be invited to the forum, and however, that did not occur. He said: ‘I think, a good chance was lost for move in the peace talks. At the same time, I am optimistic, and am convinced that we along with other states shall help Azerbaijan and Armenia to achieve peace, finally solve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, essentially hampering development of both countries, and also the entire region’.