Winter 1999 (7.4)
Pages 14-20

Nagorno-Karabakh
Heydar Aliyev's Speech - November 10, 1999
(Short version)

The following excerpts are taken from a lengthy televised November 10, 1999 session between President Heydar Aliyev and representatives of Azerbaijan's Writer's Union, who were concerned about the secret negotiations that were going on between Aliyev and Armenia's President Robert Kocharian in regard to the status of Nagorno-Karabakh. The entire speech, published in "Azerbaijan" newspaper on November 12, is available in English on Azerbaijan International's web site at AZER.com. Click on this article about Aliyev, Winter 1999.

In the article, Aliyev describes his role in the historical developments of the negotiations of Nagorno-Karabakh and other aspects and challenges of his Presidency, providing an extremely valuable perspective that, unfortunately, is too lengthy to print here.
About Negotiation.

"You know, this grief [Nagorno-Karabakh] makes me suffer day and night, and I've done all I could so far. I dare say that, maybe, no one could have done as much as I have. Why? First, one must have political experience to deal with these kinds of things; second, diplomatic experience; third, willpower; fourth, sincere love for Motherland and the nation; fifth, total dedication with both life and soul to the resolution of this problem. Maybe there are other reasons as well. But I have all these qualities, and that's why I have managed to conduct all these negotiations."

About Meeting Kocharian
"When I was in the U.S. in April [1999], Secretary of State Madeleine Albright advised that I meet with Kocharian [President of Armenia]. Since then we've had several meetings which I think have been useful.
But I cannot say anything about the content of those meetings to anyone. Why? Because we don't have the results yet. When we have them, I don't want anybody to worry, especially you, the intellectuals of Azerbaijan, because you will be the first to be informed. Second, the entire nation will be informed. Third, they will be discussed in Milli Majlis (Parliament). Fourth, a referendum will be held. None of these agreements can be carried out by the President alone. That's why there is no reason to worry."
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From Azerbaijan International (7.4) Winter 1999.
© Azerbaijan International 1999. All rights reserved.

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