David Babayan: PACE draft resolution on Karabakh conflict is "shameful and unacceptable"

When welcoming the report on "Escalation of violence in Nagorno-Karabakh and the other occupied territories of Azerbaijan" prepared by PACE rapporteur Robert Walter (United Kingdom, EC), the skilled diplomat James Warlick, U.S. Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, probably wanted to say that the co-chairs welcome any effort towards settlement of the Karabakh conflict. The statement comes from David Babayan, Spokesperson for the Nagorno-Karabakh President.    

When commenting on the Azeri media reports that the OSCE Minsk Group welcomes the PACE draft resolution on the Karabakh conflict, David Babayan has told ArmInfo that such a statement implies no changes in the format of the peace process. As regards the draft resolution that has been included in the January session of PACE, Babayan calls it "shameful and unacceptable". He thinks that the draft resolution delivers a blow to European democracy.      

To note, according to the Azerbaijani media reports, the OSCE Minsk Group welcomes the PACE draft resolution on settlement of the Karabakh conflict. "We have read the [draft] resolution and would welcome the opportunity to consult with the rapporteur and interested members of PACE on the current approach to Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations," Trend quotes OSCE Minsk Group U.S. Co-chair James Warlick as saying. Warlick says that the OSCE Minsk Group is available to work with any organization to help find a way forward on a lasting settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is also important to keep in mind that the Minsk Group format is accepted by the sides, and the co-chairs will continue the mediation efforts on a settlement based on the principles of territorial integrity, self-determination, and non-use of force, he says.  

To recall, on November 4, the PACE Political Affairs Committee approved the "Escalation of Violence in Nagorno- Karabakh and Other Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan" report prepared by rapporteur Robert Walter (United Kingdom). Thus, the document is on the agenda of PACE's January session despite the Armenian Delegation's objections. The decision was taken with 26 pros, 10 cons and 4 abstentions. Earlier the Armenian Delegation has repeatedly expressed its indignation at the biased wordings in the report. The Armenian delegates also urged PACE not to touch on the Karabakh problem at all, because the problem is dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Group professional format and any debates outside that format could hamper the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. However, the Armenian Delegations' arguments have been neglected. Earlier the Armenian Delegation to PACE stated that if the report was improved, the delegates would take relevant measures. However, they did not specify the measures