YEREVAN, BAKU HOLD UNBRIDGEABLE POSITIONS AHEAD OF OSCE TALKS.

Interviewed on Karabakh television, Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian offered firm assurances that Armenia would not accept a peace settlement based on mere autonomy of Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan. Armenia would only accept a settlement based on “a contractual, horizontal relationship between the two entities” of Azerbaijan and Karabakh. Oskanian urged Baku to give up “preconditions” and enter into direct negotiations with Stepanakert in order to settle the conflict. On a warning note, Oskanian advised Azerbaijan to “calculate its steps correctly from now on, dropping any illusions regarding the position of Armenia, which has recognized Karabakh’s right to be independent.” (Russian agencies, May 13)

In Baku, meanwhile, presidential foreign policy adviser Vafa Guluzade stated that his government is prepared for direct negotiations with “the Armenian community in Karabakh” if the latter accepts to settle for autonomy within Azerbaijan, and if the negotiating agenda is confined to the details of that arrangement. (525 Gazet (Baku), May 12)

While Baku’s position is familiar, Yerevan’s reflects the recent policy changes ushered in by the ouster of Levon Ter-Petrosian and the election of Robert Kocharian as president. Both Oskanian’s and Guluzade’s statements are timed to yesterday’s arrival in the region of the U.S., French, and Russian co-chairmen of the OSCE mediating group. They are scheduled to hold talks in Yerevan, Baku and Stepanakert. No progress can reasonably be expected, however, because Yerevan’s position has hardened and because any flexibility in Baku is constrained by the approaching presidential election.

KAZAKHSTAN’S PRESIDENT CONFIRMS 2000 ELECTIONS.