OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Matthew Bryza Responds to “Hetq”

How would you evaluate the Moscow Declaration signed in Moscow on November 2 in terms of leading to an overall settlement of the Karabakh conflict?

Matthew Bryza -The Moscow Declaration makes an important contribution to the efforts of the Minsk Group and the parties to reach a just and balanced settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.  In particular, the Moscow Declaration underscores recognition by Presidents Aliyev and Sargsyan of the need for a political and therefore peaceful settlement of the conflict.

The Declaration further underscores the importance of working within the Minsk Group to reach such a settlement, which will be based on the norms and principles of international law, which allow for a balance among the Helsinki Final Act principles of territorial integrity, self-determination, and non-use of force.

In your estimation, wouldn't the participation of the NKR in ongoing negotiations be more productive in the overall settlement process?

Matthew Bryza -The overall settlement process is moving relatively well, and can accelerate as the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan develop some trust in each other.  The views of the NKR authorities are already incorporated into the discussions mediated by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs.  We anticipate the NKR authorities will be formally included in the negotiations.
   
In the final analysis, what role has been assigned to the NKR in the settlement process?

Matthew Bryza -The Minsk Group Co-Chairs realize the views of the NKR must be reflected in any settlement if the settlement is to be just and lasting.

How would you explain the periodic appearance in the press of statements ascribed to you and which you later have to refute?

Matthew Bryza - The vast majority of these incidents result from poor translations.  I conduct many interviews, like this one, in written English.  For some reason I cannot understand, such written interviews are often translated into Russian (or Azeri or Armenian), then mistranslated back into English.  This often results in the translator selecting the wrong English word to translate what I originally stated in English, thereby distorting the meaning of subtle phrases I choose with great care.

In other instances, journalists sometimes have their stories already written in their minds when they ask me a question, and hear what they wish to hear rather than what I actually say.

While this can be frustrating, I feel no anger.  I understand these difficulties are one of the costs of speaking as openly to the media as I do.  Because I speak more often and more openly to journalists than do many diplomats, I encounter these difficulties more often.  It is important for me as a Minsk Group Co-Chair to do my best to explain what is happening in the negotiations to all those who care so deeply about resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peacefully.

To what extent has the August Russian-Georgian conflict continued to impact on regional issues and processes?

Matthew Bryza - Russia's invasion of Georgia has had a major impact on regional developments.  Russia demonstrated it is willing to use overwhelming force on a military that is only 1/100th the size of Russia's following weeks and months of dangerous provocations by Russia.  The war demonstrated that Russia is willing to take military actions that threaten the flow of Caspian energy to global markets and of vital goods to Armenia via Georgia.  

At the same time, the war also showed that the international community is able and willing to impose serious costs on Russia for such belligerent behavior.

Perhaps in response to these costs, Russia's response to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been constructive.  The meeting between Presidents Aliyev and Sargsyan that President Medvedev convened in Moscow on November 2 made an important and positive contribution to the Minsk Group peace process.  My counterpart, Ambassador Merzlyakov, is a creative and constructive colleague and friend.

What is your opinion of the ongoing developments in the field of Turkish-Armenian relations?

Matthew Bryza - Turkey and Armenia have a chance to make an historic breakthrough by normalizing their relations.  This would mark a dramatic and positive development for the entire region.  President Sargsyan showed great vision and courage in inviting President Gul to visit Yerevan, and President Gul showed great vision and courage in accepting the invitation.

To what extent can such developments have an impact on the Karabakh conflict settlement process?

Matthew Bryza - These developments can accelerate the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process by helping to change the psychology from one of pressure and threats to one of compromise and mutual gain.

Do you foresee the possibility of a settlement being reached in 2009?

Matthew Bryza - I do believe a settlement is possible in 2009, though I would not say a formal peace settlement is likely in this timeframe.  Our first priority must be to finalize the Basic Principles, which certainly can and should occur before mid-2009.

In your view, what are the primary principles on which a settlement must be structured?

Matthew Bryza - As I noted above, a peaceful settlement must incorporate the Helsinki Final Act principles of territorial integrity, self-determination, and non-use of force.  Today, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries, and all Minsk Group countries, all recognize Azerbaijan's territorial integrity.  However, we also recognize the need to incorporate self-determination and non-use of force in a way that is mutually acceptable to the parties to the conflict.
  
Your term as OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair will soon expire. How would you rate the work you have carried out as Co-Chair? Is there any possibility that you might continue to serve as Minsk Group Co-Chair?

Matthew Bryza - If my term as Co-Chair were to end today, I would feel satisfied that I have done everything within my power to help the Presidents move toward a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.  I feel deeply connected to the people of the South Caucasus, and committed to helping them achieve their goals of peace, prosperity, and freedom.  How long I retain the honor of serving as the US Co-Chair of the Minsk Group will depend on our new Secretary of State.