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CNN World Report

Nagorno Karabakh Region Seeks Justice

Aired July 22, 2001 - 14:15   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ASIEH NAMDAR, CNN ANCHOR: Justice for the people of Nagorno Karabakh may remain a hope for now. The region is in the center of a conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In 1923 the Soviet government established Nagorno Karabakh as an autonomous province within Azerbaijan, even though its population was about 80 percent Armenian. International efforts have increased to resolve the conflict between the two nations.

For an update on the latest peace talks, here is a perspective from Azerbaijan's Space Television.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ZUMRUD HUSSEYNOVA, SPACE TELEVISION CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A meeting from the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia scheduled for June 15 in Geneva has been postponed and there is no sign for continuation of peace talks. The two presidents have been meeting frantically, trying to find a solution for the 30-year-old conflict between the countries.

The 1994 cease-fire ended the active warfare but Armenia still occupies 20 percent of Azerbaijan. And one million people are still living in exile. Armenia's refusal to implement the U.N. resolutions calling for the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) troops hurdled the peace solution. Armenia refuses (UNINTELLIGIBLE) for other districts, it occupied with Russia's insist annexation or independence of the Nagorno Karabakh region.

This is unacceptable for Azerbaijan, as the region is the internationally recognized part of the country, and home to all of the people living in the refugee camps, as a result of the Armenian occupation of their lands.

ELDAR NAMAZOV, POLITICAL ANALYST (through translator): We want our lands to be liberated. The fact is, not only Nagorno Karabakh but (UNINTELLIGIBLE) territory are under occupation as well, the million of refugees have got to return to their homes and their safety, and if they are granted with autonomy, this shouldn't violate the republic (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

HUSSEYNOVA: In 1992 the Organization of Security and Corporation in Europe, the OCC, established an international negotiating team to search for a solution to the conflict. Current co-chairs of the group are France, Russia and the United States. Last month's OCC co-chairs visited refugee camps in Azerbaijan.

CAREY CAVANAUGH, U.S. AMBASSADOR: We hope to encourage that further and meeting the people today gives us just a stronger impetus to do whatever we can, to bring about peace in this region. .

HUSSEYNOVA: The co-chairs held its consultations in Malta to address the vital issue of advancing a peaceful (UNINTELLIGIBLE). They examined the current situation and exchanged opinions concerning the co-chairs also intend to visit the region of conflict in first half of July to meet with all parties.

(on camera): (UNINTELLIGIBLE) but it is not clear what is content of these offers and how they will be acceptable for each side.

Zumrud Husseynova, Space TV, for CNN WORLD REPORT.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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