Socialist International Issues Statement on Karabakh, But No Resolution

The resolution on Nagorno-Karabakh approved by Socialist International during the Nov. 15–16 Council of the Socialist International in Paris outlines the steps which the organization must take in the future, said ARF (Armenian Revolutionary Federation) Dashnaktsutyun Armenian Cause Bureau Director Kiro (Giro) Manoyan, while speaking to journalists today.

“Socialist International has decided to continue its efforts to create or encourage mutual trust both inside the Socialist International, that is, among our political parties, and outside the Socialist International, in the social or political arenas of the conflicting sides as much as possible. This is the main aspect of the resolution. Social International says it will work toward the formalization of Nagorno-Karabakh’s status and for the region, that is, for Nagorno-Karabakh, in the aim of a final status acceptable for all. This means that today Nagorno-Karabakh has to have official status in negotiations,” he said.

Note that during the press conference today, Manoyan stated that Araz Alizade, the chair of the Socialist Democratic Party of Azerbaijan, said that such a resolution was not adopted by the Socialist International. However, Manoyan said this is untrue.

“This resolution is already on the Socialist International site,” he said.

Note that on the Socialist International website, there is no mention of an actual resolution; rather, the organization  has issued a statement in which it says:

“Greatly encouraged by the meetings held by our International this year in Yerevan and Baku, where Armenian and Azeri representatives from our member parties were able to engage in unprecedented dialogue over their differences and visions for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, we extend our recognition to our member parties and the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan for hosting the delegates of SI member parties from the other country, and view this as an extremely positive step. We now see an opportunity and a need to make use of the foundations that have been set, to build dialogue and confidence both within our international and on the wider political stage in those countries.

 

“It is crucial to advance in the resolution of the conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh among both countries to ensure peace and stability in that region. The Socialist International, which has launched its initiative for peace, will persevere and continue its efforts to advance in:

a)      formalisation of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, and a final status for the region that is acceptable to all;

b)      establishment of the rights of displaced persons on both sides;

c)      calling for respect of the 1994 ceasefire agreement and refraining from all types of ceasefire violations, including sniper fire;

d)      calling on the parties of the conflict to display political will to reach an agreement on mutual, commensurate, equal and concurrent concessions to address the main questions of the conflict;

 

The international community must be actively involved in the resolution of this conflict, working with Armenia and Azerbaijan to encourage a peaceful solution.”